The word standard comes from an Anglo-Norman word describing a flag or banner carried into battle as a rallying point for soldiers. The person who carried the standard was called the standard-bearer or color guard. Possibly the most honored, and dangerous, position for a soldier during battle was to be a member of the color guard. The color guard was responsible for defending the standards at all cost. If the colors were captured the regiment had no point of reference, and many times panic and disintegration ensued. Regiments today still have national and unit flags called "standards" or "colors".

In the 15th century standard also took on the meaning of a criterion or norm because a person would visit the king's royal standard to get an authoritative weight measurement for bartering purposes.

This same concept applies to anyone who claims that God is their King. A standard is a measurement of behavior, set by God, which serves as a rallying point of life.

Points to build on

The Old Testament story of Lot and his family, recorded in Genesis 19, is an example of a standard-bearer who allowed his judgment to be clouded by society. He and his family grew so complacent with the evil around them that God had to force them to leave their environs even when they knew its destruction was imminent.

In the face of overwhelming injustice and sin, our judgment, like Lot's, can become clouded. We can begin to convince ourselves that abortion is viable option if you're poor, or cheating on the time card really isn't all that dishonest, or indulging in sex before marriage is okay if you really love each other. After all, we know that God will always forgive us.

Christians are to be God's color guard, gathering around and upholding the royal banners of Christ as Lord and Master. Ours isn't an easy calling, but it is a great privilege.

Many people go through life with only a vague concept of personal standards. The goals you set, what you accomplish, even how you define success depends upon the standards, or principles, by which you choose to live. The Creator gives us basic universal standards that define character for His children. It's from these standards that we develop our foundational values.

1. Genesis 19:1-29: The story of Lot's family in Sodom. Lot tried to live by God's standards in an evil society.

2. 2 Peter 2:6-7: What kind of stress did this cause? What kind of stress do you experience sometimes when trying to live by God's standards?

3. Genesis 19:9: What was the reaction of the people of Sodom to Lot's standards?

4. Why do you think it was so hard for Lot's family to leave Sodom?

5. What vital lessons do we learn from this story about the adaptability of human nature?

6. Matthew 22:34-40: Jesus teaches that all biblical instructions are contained in two great commandments.

How does the first great commandment mold your values?

How does this commandment determine your life's priorities?

How does the second great commandment mold your values?

How does this commandment determine your life's priorities?

7. Exodus 20: God gave Ten Commandments to help His people in applying the two great commandments in practical living. Write how each of these commandments molds your standards and help you determine priorities in your life.

"You shall have no other gods before Me."

"You shall not make for yourself any carved image...you shall not bow down to them or serve them..."

"You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain."

"Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy."

"Honor your father and your mother."

"You shall not murder."

"You shall not commit adultery."

"You shall not steal."

"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."

"You shall not covet."

Application

1. There are standards, or principles, of behavior and thought established by the Creator.

2. The standards we chose are the building blocks of what we value.

3. Our values are standards that are so important that they define how we live.

4. To compromise a value causes intense conflict that can only be resolved by changing the actions or abandoning the value.

5. Integrity is holding true to proven values. King Solomon wrote in Proverbs 10:9: "He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known."