The Importance of A Low Standard
The Importance of A Low Standard
Coming from a very conservative background has developed in me an absolute and unchangeable love for Holiness. I have been raised to respect the convictions of others; they could be right!
I grew up hearing Holiness preached by men who lived what they preached. Their ministry instilled carefulness in me that I never wish to let go of. I was taught the necessity of convictions and the importance of dress standards. I am doing my best to hang on to everything that was given to me. Every generation has to get this for themselves. I believe there is much safety in Holy living.
The saddest moments in Apostolic conversation is when in hushed tones, the name of a ‘Holiness’ preacher or a respected saint who messed, is mentioned. The groups that mock Holiness seem to express great joy over the event. Evidently the moral failure of a conservative makes liberal people feel justified about their own lack of convictions.
We all have heard of people with High Standards that still fell into sin. Evidently, their High Standards didn’t keep them from messing up. With that in mind, I wish to suggest the importance of a Low Standard.
A Low Standard? Absolutely!
All of us, in addition to having a High Standard, should also have a Low Standard. By that I mean, there should be something in your heart that draws a line and says:
- I refuse to stoop any lower than this.
- I will never cross this bottom line I’ve drawn.
- This is as bad as I will ever allow things to get.
- I desire to protect my morals, so here is where I draw the line.
- I wish to preserve my walk with God, so right here is where those other activities stop.
- I don’t want to displease God by how I dress. Regardless of fashion, here is where I draw the line.
Others may do things I cannot do. They may go places I cannot go. They may wear things I cannot wear. The reason I cannot do what they do is because I have a “Low Standard” and I refuse to allow my walk with God to stoop to that level.
Interstate Speed Limit Signs tell you what the High Standard is. They also tell you what the Low Standard is. The signs are saying, if you wish to drive on this road, you must pay attention to both.
Apostolic Expository Series
Christy Ballestero (My Beautiful DIL)
http://marciaballestero.com/
Pastor Anthony & Kim Ballestero, New Destiny Worship Center, Clearwater, FL (My Son)
Pastor Bryan & Christy Ballestero, Temple Of Pentecost, Raleigh, NC (My Son)
James Groce Blog – "Toward The Mark"
Kenneth Bow Blog
Kingdom Speak Podcast
Philip Harrelson – "The Barnabas Blog"
Verbal Bean Ministries
Holy Ghost Radio
The Ballestero Blog 
Thank God for inspired, consecrated men of God!
Mary Jones
May 21, 2010 at 12:37 am
Somehow someway you continue day after day to excel!!! You are amazing.
kennethbow
May 21, 2010 at 1:12 am
It’s the ‘Halal’ effect! Thanks.
mballestero
May 21, 2010 at 11:51 am
I love you, my dear brother. I love that you love the things of God, and are so passionate about his kingdom. I love that you inspire us through your life, your writings and your ministry. I love your stand for holiness. Thank you for just being you.
Nila Marxer
May 21, 2010 at 10:08 am
Aren’t you just a wonderful Sister? Love you and thank you!
mballestero
May 21, 2010 at 10:14 am
Thanks for a voice crying in the wilderness. It gives a voice to those who would like to speak out against the decline of Holiness that we hold dear.
Marian June Davis
May 21, 2010 at 10:26 am
Thank you for giving me a wife that loves the Lord like I do! The way you raised her could not have been improved upon. You did an wonderful job! You’re the best! I Love you!
mballestero
May 21, 2010 at 12:09 pm
You have caused this man to still and ponder the words I have just read. I have many times had to deal with the “bottom line,” but to establish a, “bottom line,” for my stand. New thought.
Mervi
Mervi
May 21, 2010 at 11:49 am
Excellent perspective…is this what they mean by a “Min/Max” Thank you Elder.
Larry Billings
May 21, 2010 at 1:28 pm
The OLD School, the OLD Friends, the OLD Holiness Standards, the OLD Word of God {everlasting}, is now, and always has been the BEST.
Howard H Davis
May 21, 2010 at 2:49 pm
I love it! Good stuff. I needed to read this.
John Carroll
May 22, 2010 at 12:55 pm
That is great! I would like to copy this and post to my blog if that is okay with you.
Melissa
June 5, 2010 at 11:42 am
Sure
mballestero
June 5, 2010 at 11:44 am