We all have standards, and when something doesn’t meet those standards we deal with it accordingly. Well it depends, right? A few examples: when you buy a new car your standards are high because it’s a new car. When we go to a nice restaurant we expect our food and service to be on point, where on some things we tend to deal with it a little different. Let’s call it what it is -- we lower our standards. Ask yourself what are some things you lower your standards for? 

So, let me ask you this question: what are your standards when it comes to spending time with the Lord -- be it through prayer, reading, or serving? 

Do you worry most of the time, and pray for less than a minute over what you worried about all day? Do you wait to the end of your day to read the bible after spending the whole day reading Facebook, social media, the newspaper, or your favorite book (only to fall asleep when trying to get into the word of God)? Do you spend more time watching TV, playing video games, shopping, or internet surfing instead of serving at your local church or outreach with your extra time? 

let me say this, I’m guilty of all of the above at one point in time or another in my walk with God. It happens, and when it does happen, you have to examine yourself and make sure you get back on track (2nd Corinthians 13:5-6, 1st Corinthians 9:27). In this Christian walk we will fall short and make mistakes (Proverbs 24:16, Romans 3:23), but that doesn’t mean you have to settle. God wants you to have an abundant life (John 10:10, 3 John:2) -- meaning he wants the quality of life that you’re living now in Christ to be that much more than before you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior. This includes your salvation, health, nourishment, etc., as well as the complete perfection that eternal life will bring. God doesn’t want you to settle, He wants you walking in your Victory when it comes to our walk with Him (1st Corinthians 15:57-58). So when it comes to your prayer life, know that that’s your communication with God (Ephesians 6:18, 1st Thessalonians 5:17, James 5:16). If you settle in this area, how will you hear from God to know what you should do in a particular situation? The word of God is something we can’t afford to settle on, either. It plays a major role when it comes to the Full Armor of God as it is the only weapon we have (Ephesians 6:17b)!!! Reading the word of God strengthens us as we study to know what God has said (2nd Timothy 2:15), and the more than 7000 promises He made to us as believers. As far as serving goes, it plays a vital role when it comes to the body of Christ. We should be selfless and not selfish, walking in love and willing to serve in the body of Christ (Philippians 2:3, Romans 12:3-8). Settling when it comes to the word of God and your Christian walk is what the devil wants you to do. The more you settle, the more ineffective your witness becomes. So stand strong and walk in your purpose (1st Corinthians 16:13, Ephesians 6:10). Be encouraged, continue to fight the good fight, and know God is the same yesterday today and forever. If He seems far away, He hasn’t gone anywhere -- you have. Refocus and get back to it. God Bless. 

                                                     As Always Don’t Just Take My Word For It. Study To Show Yourselves Approved.