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HIGH STANDARDS PREVENT LOW EXPECTATIONS AND PROTECT US FROM MEDIOCRACY 

TODAY PEOPLE ARE ABANDONING ESTABLISHED STANDARDS. AS A RESULT MULTITUDES OF PEOPLE ARE ESTABLISHING THEIR OWN STANDARDS AND "SO-CALLED" TRUTHS. THE WAY WE SEE SOMETHING IS NOT THE CRITERIA FOR RIGHT AND WRONG. OUR PERception and perspectives ARE A PRODUCT OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCES DECIPHERED THROUGH BIASES. WHAT WE PerceIVE is a mental grasp of objects, OCCURRENCES and qualities THAT WE EXPERIENCE AND OBSERVE through OUR senses. HOWEVER standards are COMMUNALLY established rules or guidelines that can be used as a model or point of reference. RIGHTEOUSNESS IS A STANDARD OF HOLINESS INSTITUTED BY GOD. THE WAY OF HOLINESS DESCRIBES HOW WE SHOULD CONDUCT OURSELVES IN A RIGHTEOUS MANNER. MANY CHURCHES ARE PICKING AND CHOOSING TO PREACH AND TEACH "PRACTICES" BASED SOLEY ON ALTRUISM AND EMOTIONAL THEMES. THEIR AIM AND THE BULK OF THEIR MESSAGES APPEAL TO FEELINGS AND SENTIMENTS THAT ARE PREDOMINATELY CENTERED AROUND GOOD DEEDS AND CONSCIENCE SOOTHING WORKS. THEY DO NOT PREACH AGAINST SIN. they do not advocate for repentance. THIS GIVES MANY PARISHONERS THE IMPRESSION THAT DOING CHARITABLE THINGS AND BEING KIND IS ENOUGH. IF WORKS ALONE WERE THE CRITERIA FOR PLEASING GOD THEN WE WOULD BE ABLE TO EARN A PLACE IN PARADISE THROUGH MERIT, BUT THE WEALTHY WOULD HAVE A DISTINCT ADVANTAGE. TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN MUCH IS REQUIRED. IT'S EASY TO TELL IF THE HOUSE OF WORSHIP WE'RE IN FELLOWSHIP WITH HAS A LOW BIBLICAL STANDARD. THERE ARE TWO WORDS THAT WILL BE RARELY IF EVER USED. THE FIRST WORD IS "SIN" AND THE SECOND WORD IS "SPIRIT." THESE DESCRIPTIVE WORDS DEPICT STANDARDS. STANDARDS ESTABLISH EXPECTATIONS AND SET LIMITS. STANDARDS GIVE US SOLID GROUND TO "STAND ON." IF WE DO NOT STAND FOR SOMETHING, WE ARE LIKELY TO FALL FOR ANYTHING!

UNDERSTANDING - STANDARDS - TAKING A STAND

There are standards for everything! A standard is an idea or thing used as a measure, norm, or model in comparative evaluations. Standards are a level of quality or attainment used or accepted as normal or average. Standards by design represent the spirit (attitude) in which a group, organization or population operates. Another definition of a standard is a long, narrow, tapering flag like a sign. It can bear a heraldic object, like a cross, dragon or eagle. A standard can also refer to the banners soldiers once carried into war at the top of a pole to mark a rallying point or serve as an emblem. Today many sports teams use mascots to flaunt their image or insignia. High standards are indicative of high quality. Whether we maintain, raise or lower our standards is a moment to moment and day to day decision. We are constantly being bombarded with having to choose how we feel and think about many controversial issues. What we believe stems from the conclusions we come to relative to our personal standard. When we are "full of self" it will be reflected through our standards. Everything that we allow, gives permission to other associated things to flourish. Everything we prohibit, prevents kindred behaviors from expressing themselves. There will always be side effects directly associated with our actions or failure to act. Yes, there seems to be standards for everything. There are standards for appearance, standards for behavior, standards for conduct, standards for dressing, standards for farming, standards for men and standards for women. Standards separate the boys from the men and mediocre from quality. Setting standards involves ethics morals and decisions. What we value and how we value it, is a personal choice. It is impossible to separate standards from quality. Quality is a distinctive attribute or characteristic possessed by someone or something that can be measured against other things of a similar kind in relation to its degree of excellence. Sometimes it is difficult understanding the significance of our standards until we have to make a stand. Our standards reflect what we respect. Having a "high standard" is less about what we demand of others and more about what we will not indulge or tolerate. Standards should not change regardless of the circumstances or situation unless they are raised to a higher level. Standards are not necessarily the commandments, laws or rules that we follow. It should be "standards" that these regulations are founded upon. Unfortunately, when we fall short of maintaining an established standard, many of us will attempt to change or lower that standard to fit our own narrative. The standard that Jesus referred to at the sermon on the mount requires a "spirit of forgiveness" and humility. This sermon did not  institute a new standard, it simply expanded upon the spirit of the law rather than the letter of the law. This raised the standard to new spiritual heights that superseded the eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth practices of that day. Our respect for standards allows the separation of church from state, female from males and age from youth. Respecting differences in and of themselves allows us to hold one another to different, equitable and equal standards. Equal rights differ from equal standards! Some things cannot be blended together, combined or integrated because the operate from a different basis or standard. Forcing or imposing moral standards upon immoral people is an exercise in futility. In like manner it is wrong to foist or saddle organizations founded upon moral standards to incorporate diversity, equity or inclusion in their "PRACTICES" contrary to their traditions. We can advocate and demonstrate a righteous mentality, but we cannot legalize or regulate morality. God does not impose his will upon us. We are "free moral agents" and choice is what makes us free. God gave man authority over his domain. We reap the consequences that life itself imposes upon us. Yes, life has its own standards! If the "Ten Commandments and the 613 laws of Moses were not enough for a chosen people to follow as a standard; what makes us think that we can impose morality on people lacking a spiritual mentality? If judgement and captivity befell the children of Israel for not maintaining God's standards, what will the consequences be for this wicked generation.

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THE STAMINA AND STRENGTH TO TAKE A STAND

We must make a distinction between double standards and different standards. Differences in standards have always existed because of our unique diversities. It is not actually the standards that differ. It is the application of the standards that vary. People differ in age and development (maturity). People differ in gender and function (nature). People abide in different climates, spring from different cultures and must negotiate different environments. Although people's habitats may differ their standards can their still be the same. A standard can operate across cultural, political and religious barriers. Standards may not always be verbalized or written down to be observed. Many times they are passed down from generation to generation and "traditionally" embraced. Standards establish norms in business practices, in governmental policies, in family structures, in medical procedures, in marriages, religions and in society. There are many vices that we need to avoid and be protected from. This is why standards enforced by laws and regulations control and limit them. Monetizing every breakthrough and cure discovered is today's standard. Supporting corruption, criminal activity and lies from our politicians is today's standard. Prescribing pills and procedures to avoid childbirth is today's standard. Sanctioning premarital sex, infidelity, multiple marriages and same sex unions is today's standard. Legalizing drugs, gambling and promiscuity is not in the best interest of the public but it is today's standard. Although they create additional revenue streams (money), they are a disservice to social morals and standards. Lotteries opened the doors for gambling in the same way cigarettes opened the door for lung cancer. The standards in the healthcare industry have been corrupted by the pharmaceutical industry. The new medical paradigm is to accept unhealthy lifestyles and to combat their adverse effects by prescribing drugs or performing surgery. The systems originally designed to protect us have become a disservice! Today the number of issues confronting us are so overwhelming that we have become numb to many of them. The narratives keep changing as the crisis' continue developing! Was the COVID vaccine designed to keep us from catching covid-19, from spreading covid-19 or to keep us from dying from covid-19? The COVID crisis is not over! As quiet as kept, the truth is that covid-19 is slowly and consistently cycling around the world. The fact is that as a planet over the course of four years we have not achieved herd immunity. The truth is that the highly vaccinated populations are having more problems with reoccurring infections in spite of the application of new vaccines and boosters. Why are the poorer third world countries in Africa, South America and other regions of the world doing so well without the vaccines. Once again, correlation is not necessarily causation, but shouldn't we ask why in four years, with all of our knowledge and technology, we're still in the heat of this battle? The lack of herd immunity in highly vaccinated populations insures that the pharmaceutical companies will have to continue to roll out more vaccines and boosters for more profits. Was this by design? Divide and conquer is nothing new. Making money off of the misery of others is today's standard. Today's obesity epidemic will surely create tomorrows type II diabetes boom. This will become a lucrative revenue stream for the pills and potions designed to combat it. Any venture capitalist who wants to make dirty money can get rich off of the systemic cycle that processed foods and sedentary lifestyles bring. This is the direct path to type 2 diabetes! Brutal honesty is needing a voice, and it has one here. Many of us are falling victim to this toxic mainstream culture. We should know that "insulin resistance" will occur over time and as a result lead to high blood sugar levels and eventually type 2 diabetes. Insulin is a fat storing hormone. As our insulin levels spike, we gain more fat, as we gain fat, we get more sedentary, as we become more sedentary, we tend to secret more insulin. This is a vicious circle. We are all basically a collection of behaviors and habits consolidated and then manifested in our bodies, the Temple!

It is impossible to stay abreast of all of the diverse issues and problems facing this generation. This is so much so that most of us can only pay attention to and keep up with our pet causes. To keep our sanity, it seems as if we have to turn a blind eye and deaf ear to most everything else. Are we being purposely bombarded? Is the system so compromised that all we can do is throw up our hands in despair? Have the modern day money changers, once located in the outer courts of the temple, moved into the pulpits of our modern day churches?  Be not deceived every show of altruism may not be motivated by a love of charity.  There are a variety of ways and clever techniques that appeal to our senses by tapping into our emotions. Statistics are often used by businesses and politicians to influence our opinions to fit their narratives. The majority of people do not understand how statistics work! There is nothing wrong with statistics in and of themselves. In this data rich world statistics provide us with valuable information for predicting diseases, economics, finances, housing, politics and weather. Statistics are derived by applying math to collected data (information) analyzing it and then "INFERING" conclusions from those quantitative figures. The standards applied to statistics can easily be altered by how the findings are presented. For example, a salesman who approaches ten (10) prospects and gets four (4) buyers achieves a forty percent (40%) success rate. A sales woman that approaches one hundred (100) prospects and gets twenty (20) buyers achieves a twenty (20%) success rate. Should the "standard of success" be measured by the number of sales or the percentage of prospects approached? Who decides this and presents it to us? Statistics can be skewed like any other information to prop up and support lies. Standards affect statistics. Healthcare as a business model is not healthcare. It is "sick care." The bottom line of a business is to make profit. Today's standard is to medicate all of our problems. If we want to lose weight, there's a pill. If we have a headache, there's a pill. If we have high blood pressure, there's a pill. If we have trouble sleeping, there's a pill. If we have a short attention span, there's a pill. If we don't want babies, there's a pill. If we want to abort them, there's a procedure. If we want masculine features, there's a pill. If we want feminine features, there's a pill. We no longer have to work at disciplining ourselves if pills and procedures do all of the work for us. The new standard is the shortcut, the secret, the hack and the cheat. Why work at it or earn it if we can beat it when we cheat it. WHEN PEOPLE CHEAT THEY THINK THEY BEAT. THEY PASS THE PRESENT BUT FAIL THE FUTURE! The pill business is a booming profit maker. Businesses are incentivized by profits that is the standard. "Sick care" in the United States, including assisted living, hospitals and nursing home is a BOOMING business. The model for making money is easy. Sickness and death is inevitable. The more we stay sick and the longer we take to die, the more money this industry makes. As life expectancy increases so will the profits in this industry. Investors with little scruples and low standards will continue to take advantage of this fact and continue to prove that the love of money is the root of all evil. Corporations like United Health Care will exploit the situation and impose its profit driven policies without being held to high standards. The catch-22 from the revolving door between the food and the pharmaceutical industries insures their perpetuity. They present themselves as servants while they siphon away our monies and resources. They act as brokers with our taxes and slowly drain our government and us! When their policies, practices and standards are called into question they tend to respond as if they're being persecuted.
​ There is a difference between being persecuted and being prosecuted. Jesus and many apostles and prophets were persecuted. Corrupt law breaking performers, politicians and preachers are now being prosecuted! Integrity is better defined by what is done behind closed doors rather than what we display during public appearances. Integrity holds to its standard regardless of the consequences. The standards established on Mt. Sanai, namely the Ten Commandments, have not changed. Regardless of any translations or interpretations, the simplicity of these teachings are obvious. Jesus built upon those teachings and explained their significance in ways that raised those standards in the consciousness of those who heard him. Are we being seduced into making the same mistake that the children of Israel (Jacob) made? Are we using our own self righteousness to allow us to establish our own "self righteous" standard?

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REDEFINING DOUBLE STANDARDS

HOLDING AND MAINTAINING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS

Perfection is the highest standard! However perfection can only be measured by or through being compared with something else perfect. The law of the Lord is perfect. It has the capacity to penetrate carnal and earthly logical narratives or rationale that are used to explain the the human condition. God's laws are so perfect that they can reach into and convert the immaterial animated essence that actuates an individual's life. This describes how God's laws (standards) can impact the souls of men. The highest standard we can maintain as and among fellow human beings is expressed in how we care for and treat one another. When we genuinely demonstrate love we care enough to give more and more "FU*K'S" while others keep saying that they don't give a "FUC." Having more FU*K'S" to give indicates a level of concern that is comparable with the actions of "THE GOOD SAMARITAN." There is no such thing as "unconditional love," but there is such a thing as "unmeasurable love." Love has no limits but love has a standard that must be learned, embraced and practiced even if it is not fully understood. Life is dictated by standards. God's standards apply to all of humanity without biases or respect of persons. One way or the other God's standards apply. No matter what we do or how we do it,  standards are established. This means that an innate sense of right and wrong abides in the consciousness of man that we will be judged by!  There are certain "why's" in life that cannot be explained or understood prematurely. Some beliefs must be embraced without corroboration, evidence and intellectual or intuitive proof. The normal and "standard" human experience is both a natural and spiritual journey. We connect with the spiritual aspect of our being through our minds, intellectual senses and feelings. We connect with the natural aspect of our existence with our physical senses and bodies. The act of thinking, processing and communicating thoughts through articulation connects our  natural and spiritual interactions. Yes, every experience can be categorized and defined by an established standard. Experiences can be strange, unexpected, weird, different, expected, normal or what we can simply call standard. We must be taught, and learn standards. There are standards for everything! S.O.P, also known as standard operating procedures are used by a wide range of industries beyond healthcare including aviation, finance, and construction. There is a "way" and "why" to how things are, and should be done. There is a rational behind any functioning aspect or action in life. This means it has an intentional, organized and predesignated design within its nature. We can pervert it or build upon that nature. Building upon what we know to be already true provides consistency and promotes further discovery. Left to our own imagination and vices can give rise to perverting basic, sacred or solemn acts and practices. We cannot expect a child to intuitively know how to or practice eating a balanced diet. Dietary standards are established then handed down, we teach them. Even after being taught to do what's best, most children and many adults default to what tastes good to them over what's actually best for them. Our ​minds can override the intellect of the brain, defy common sense and resist rational behavior. This is why we must be taught to continually regulate our emotions while disciplining and training our minds. This is what is characterized as "Critical Thinking!." Even our minds can have a mind of their own. 

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IT'S HARD TO STAND WITHOUT A STANDARD

TAKING A STAND CAN CAUSE US TO GET KNOCKED DOWN OR GET KNOCKED OUT. THE "WINDS OF CHANGE" CAN CHALLENGE THE TRADITIONAL STANDARDS WE EMBRACE. STANDARDS CAN BE COMPARED TO TREES. THEY CAN TAKE ON THE FORM OF ANY SAPLING BETWEEN A PALM TREE AND AN OAK TREE. THIS ANALOGY DIRECTLY RELATES TO HOW DIFFERENT TREES DEAL WITH TURBULENT WEATHER. STANDING STEADY AND UNMOVABLE AGAINST HURRICANE FORCE WINDS CAN RESULT IN LOSS BRANCHES, SNAPPED TRUNKS AND LIMBS OR BEING TOTALLY UPROOTED. BEING FLEXIBLE AND BENDING WITH THE WIND IS MORE ABOUT ENDURANCE THAN IT IS ABOUT COMPROMISE. STANDARDS ARE DEVELOPED RELATIVE TO THE ENVRONMENTS WE APPLY THEM TO. STANDARDS ARE NOT WRITTEN OR RECITED FROM CARVINGS IN STONE. STANDARDS ARE BASED ON APPLYING CLEAR AND MEASURABLE CRITERIA TO ACTIONS AND BEHAVIORS. STANDARDS HAVE AN ABSTRACT ASPECT TO THEM. THIS MEANS THAT THEY EXIST IN THOUGHT OR AS AN IDEA BUT HAVE NO CONCRETE FORM. THEORETICALLY STANDARDS ARE EXTRACTED FROM ANACHRONISMS OR CUSTOMS WE ADHERE TO AND ENFORCE IN PERPETUITY. THERE IS ALWAYS A SPIRITUAL SIDE TO ANY STANDARD. WHETHER WE ACKNOWLEDGE IT OR NOT THERE IS ALWAYS A STANDARD BEING CONSCIOUSLY OR SUBCONSCIOUSLY CULTIVATED.  ​NO WONDER SO MANY YOUNG PEOPLE ARE CONFUSED AND LOST TODAY. FACING AND MAKING ADULT DECISIONS PRIOR TO GRADUALLY PROCESSING, MATURING AND MAKING DAILY DISCOVERIES IS BACKWARDS! STANDARDS ARE PASSED DOWN AND MADE KNOWN TO OUR NEXT GENERATION LONG BEFORE THEY ARE  UNDERSTOOD BY THEM. IT'S HARD TO KNOW HOW TO NEGOTIATE THROUGH TIMES OF TRANSITION WITHOUT HAVING TEACHING OR EXPERIENCES THAT ADDRESS THE CHALLENGES AND CHANGES LIFE BRINGS US. CHILDREN SHOULD NEVER BE ASKED TO MAKE ADULT DECISIONS. BEING EXPOSED TO THINGS BEYOND OUR CAPABILITY TO ADDRESS OR THE CAPACITY TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT CREATES FEAR AND UNCERTAINITY. THERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT CANNOT BE PROCESSED PREMATURELY. AS WE GROW IT TAKES TIME AND EXPERIENCE TO REALLY UNDERSTAND THE MEANINGS OF OUR CHOICES AND THE RAMIFICATIONS BEHIND THEM. BOTH GROWTH AND MATURITY ARE STEP BY STEP GRADUAL PROCESSES. EXPECTING AN INEXPERIENCED NAIVE CHILD TO KNOW HOW THEY IDENTIFY GENDER WISE, BEFORE THEY EVEN REACH PUBERTY IS RIDICULOUS. HOW CAN AN IMMATURE INDIVIDUAL MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION WITHOUT THE MATURITY TO PROCESS INFORMATION THAT REQUIRES AN ADVANCED AGE AND UNDERSTANDING? ABSTRACT REASONING BEGINS AT A MUCH LATER STAGE OF DEVELOPEMENT THAN OUR LOGICAL RIGHT AND WRONG SENSE OF JUDGEMENT. ISN'T THIS WHY WE HAVE UNIFORMLY ESTABLISHED AGES OF CONSENT FOR PARTICIPATING IN OR PERFORMING CERTAIN ACTS LIKE DRINKING, SMOKING AND SEXUAL INTERCOURSE? ISN'T THIS WHY THERE IS A MINIMUM AGE TO BUY CIGARETTES AND ALCOHOL? ISN'T THIS IS WHY THERE'S A MINIMUM AGE FOR DRIVING, VOTING AND PARTICIPATING IN MANY "ADULT LEVEL" ACTIVITIES? THERE ARE THINGS THAT CHILDREN SHOULD NOT EVER BE EXPOSED TO DURING THEIR SENSITIVE FORMULATIVE YEARS. KNOWING THAT EXPOSURE TO ALTERNATE OR PERVERTED LIFESTYLES INTRODUCES TYPES OF ENERGY AND PERSPECTIVES THAT DISRUPT NATURAL GROWING PROCESSES. THE NATURE OF SOMETHING REFERS TO THE BASIC QUALITIES, CHARACTERISTICS AND INHERENT TRAITS OF IT. THESE PROPERTIES ARE BUILT INTO THE CORE OF ITS EXISTENCE LET'S FACE IT, EITHER WE ARE LIVING BY DESIGN FOR A PURPOSE OR WE'RE JUST EXISTING AS A RESULT OF A "BIG BANG THEORY." WE ARE ALL SUBJECT TO LIFE'S RANDOM AND SPORATIC EVENTS, HAPPENINGS AND OCCURRENCES. DO WE CONTROL OUR OWN DESTINY? IF SO, THEN THERE MUST BE A NATURAL ORDER AND PROCESS FOR US TO ABIDE BY. IF NOT, THEN ANYTHING GOES AND WE NEED NOT CONCERN OURSELVES WITH HOW WE INTEGRATE OUR INTERDEPENDENT EXISTENCES WITH THE REST OF NATURE. NO AFTERLIFE MEANS NO PENALTIES OR RAMIFICATIONS FOR OUR ACTIONS. IT'S OBVIOUS THAT FREE MORAL AGENCY WORKS HAND IN HAND WITH AGE, MATURITY AND "INFORMED CONSENT."
INFORMATION IS WAY MORE THAN JUST FACTS, FIGURES AND DATA, IT IS EDUCATION. "INFORMED CONSENT IS A PROCESS THAT ALLOWS A PERSON TO MAKE A VOLUNTARY DECISION ABOUT THEIR CASE OR STATUS AFTER BEING EDUCATED BY AN AUTHORIZED POWER OR PROVIDER ABOUT THE RISKS, BENEFITS, AND ALTERNATIVES OF A CHOICE, INTERVENTION OR PROCEEDURE.
 
IT'S A FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE AND STANDARD IN MEDICAL ETHICS AND LAW. IT IS THE BASIS OF ANY CONTRACT, GUARANTEE OR WARRANTEE. IT IS CONSIDERED TO BE A VITALLY CENTRAL, NECESSARY AND REQUIRED COMPONENT FOR EVERY CLIENTS, CUSTOMERS AND END-USERS.

​"INFORMED CONSENT" PROVIDES PATIENT, TO "PROFESSIONL" TRUST. FINALLY, IT RESPECTS INDIVIDUAL AUTONOMY, CHOICE AND FREE WILL.

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