I have been working on a project that requires my work to meet a set standard. Randomly and unknown to me, I am sent validation samples. The goal is to match predetermined standards by at least 70%. All I need is a good solid C to pass and continue on. Every few days I am sent calibration testing which gives me samples and tests my ability to match the standard. It is used as a reminder of the standards, to keep them at the forefront of my mind while I work.
As Christians, we have a standard to live up to as well in the form of Jesus. Unlike the world, God requires a 100% match to His standard, the law, but since we couldn’t reach that He sent us Jesus to bridge the gap. However, that doesn’t exempt us from being called to the standard. While God doesn’t fire his children, so to speak, he does constantly instruct and correct us when we don’t follow the standard, His version of recalibration.
I also think it is helpful to take stock of our relationship with God without the need of correction to motivate us in the right direction. When you feel stuck or in a difficult place, sometimes you can feel like God is not listening or that your prayers are not being answered. In times like these it might help to ask yourself some questions. Beth Moore gave the following recalibration questions in a devotional I listened to recently:
- WHERE are you? (Genesis 3:9)
- WHO told you that? (Genesis 3:11)
- WHAT are you seeking? (John 1:38)
- WHY are you afraid? (Matthew 8:26)
- HOW much more? (Luke 11:13)
Take a moment to honestly answer these questions and you might find the answers to your situation. To be honest, I hate stopping to answer calibration samples, but it often helps me clear my head and get back on the right path. If I do it for work, how much more should I be willing to do it to make sure we have a solid relationship with God? As Beth Moore said in answer to the last question…so much more.