“I can’t get my lines to be straight!” lamented my 9 year old son. He was working on a school math exercise that required him to draw geometric shapes using a set of geometric tools that included a ruler. However what was initially a 30 centimeter ruler was broken after using it in a “sword” fight with his younger brother. The surviving piece was barely 5 centimetres long.

To help him complete his exercise, I had to think of getting him another ruler; but not before teaching him a valuable lesson – first on stewardship (taking good care of resources assigned to him); and secondly on the importance of having a “ruler” (standard) to help in making the right choices in life. Just like a physical ruler that helps us draw straight lines, we also need a standard in life that helps us walk on the right path and make good decisions.

God has provided us with such a standard in His Word, to help us navigate through life while making the right moral and ethical decisions. Here are some scriptures that just illustrate this point:

Psalms 119:9 – How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. – NIV

Psalms 119:105 – Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path – NIV

Heb 4:12 – For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. – NIV

We however often choose a broken ruler (standard) when we put aside God’s Instruction, and instead rely on our own wisdom or on conventional practices that don’t reflect God’s perfect standard. The world has largely chosen a broken standard or moral compass as evidenced by the widespread immorality eating away at our youth, the runaway corruption in government / public sector projects – where resources meant for public welfare are siphoned to benefit a few individuals. In certain instances, even the church has put aside God’s standard of purity and righteousness, and instead chosen to propagate the gospel of prosperity, fame and affluence as evidenced by the rise of celebrity ministers who prefer to flaunt their wealth or talents, rather than seek to glorify God.

This departure from God’s standard does not promise a good outcome as illustrated by Proverbs 14:12 & 16:25 – “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” – NKJV

God’s Word provides the best approach when it comes to making life choices – we can consult and involve God in all that we do. This ensures that we always apply God’s perfect standard. See Prov 14:3 – “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” – NIV