A Higher Standard

A Higher Standard

I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me.

Philippians 3:14

Most of my life I’ve been a closet slob. . . . Then I got married. . . . I enrolled in a twelve-step program for slobs. (“My name is Max, I hate to vacuum.”) A physical therapist helped me rediscover the muscles used for hanging shirts. . . . My nose was reintroduced to the fragrance of Pine Sol. . . .

Then came the moment of truth. Denalyn went out of town for a week. Initially I reverted to the old man. I figured I’d be a slob for six days and clean on the seventh. But something strange happened, a curious discomfort. I couldn’t relax with dirty dishes in the sink.

What had happened to me? Simple. I’d been exposed to a higher standard.

Isn’t that what has happened with us? . . . Before Christ our lives were out of control, sloppy, and indulgent. We didn’t even know we were slobs until we met him. . . . Suddenly we find ourselves wanting to do good. Go back to the old mess? Are you kidding?

In the Grip of Grace