John Quincy Adams wrote that standards “may be ranked among the necessaries of life to every individual of human society … the knowledge of them … is among the first elements of education.”
In our newly formed country, various colonies began with different standards of weights and measures. Imagine the economic chaos and strained business relationships in a nation where a yard was never guaranteed to be the same length! It wasn’t until 1832 that we set a standard of measurement for the first time.
Our founders understood the necessity of setting standards on moral issues as well. James Madison wrote, “We’ve staked our future on our ability to follow the Ten Commandments with all of our heart.” On another occasion he wrote, “It is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity toward each other.”
Standards are critical, whether in commerce or in relationships. We see this theme throughout Scripture. Hannah understood this as she prayed during her dedication of Samuel, “For the Lord is a God of knowledge; and by Him actions are weighed … for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s, and He has set the world upon them” (1 Samuel 2:3, 8). The mother of one of Israel’s greatest judges clearly understood that it is God who determines what is right and wrong.
Surrounded by a pluralistic society based heavily on tolerance, let’s intercede that solid, godly standards would be reestablished. Tolerance and apathy have left our nation with differing standards, resulting in economic chaos and relational tension. Paul wrote about this type of predicament in his letter to the Corinthians: “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). As he worked to build the Church, he understood that the Son of God, the final King of Israel, is the author of standards that existed before humankind.
As we focus our prayers this month, let’s pray that our Foundation, Jesus Christ, would be recognized. May His weights and measures, and His divine judgment, be our frame of reference and our standard for coherence.
