Frame of Reference

<<standards determining behaviour>>

A frame of reference is a particular set of beliefs, values, customs or ideas by which you evaluate information and on which you base your judgment of things. The Christian faith is a frame of reference that enables the believer to make the appropriate response to every circumstance of life. Our attitudes, culture, upbringing and beliefs together with external influences affect how we relate to these guideposts in life.

The ultimate authority and reference point is the Word of God by which we will be judged (Jn 12:48). It is consistent, timeless and rock solid, remaining unaltered since it was given by God to man (2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:21). This is in total contrast to the constantly changing and continually eroding values of today’s society, which are in a state of unending redefinition; with the goal posts always moving is it

Fix your eyes on Jesus – Hebrews 12:2

any wonder people are bewildered, lack stability and feel lost. While the unsaved respond to the world’s ways, the Godly must listen to what God says and should act accordingly (Mt 7:24-27; Rom 2:13; Jas 1:22). We need to pray, “Direct my footsteps according to your Word” because “It is not for man to direct his steps” (Ps 119:133; Jer 10:23). Blessed is the person who delights in the Bible and meditates on it day and night, using it to give guidance (Ps 1:1,2, 119:9,11,105). We are blessed when we draw our frame of reference and perspective for life from the truth of God's Word rather than the counsel, behaviour and attitudes of those who don't know God, don't want to know God, and despise God. Do I have an uncompromising allegiance to God’s guidebook for successful living that has Christ at the centre?

We can accept valid input from the world, like the “men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do” (1 Chr 12:32). However, the Bible is the final authority if there is a discrepancy of viewpoint.

God has placed His standards within the human conscience, yet by persistently ignoring this inner ‘policeman’ and going our own evil way this has completely warped our frame of reference (Rom 1:18-32; 2:15). Thank God this mindset can be radically transformed by salvation, where we relate to God as our spiritual Father through the work of Christ, we stop being slaves to sin and become servants of righteousness as our minds are renewed (Jn 1:12; Rom 6:16-22, 12:2).

We must monitor the input into our minds; otherwise the trash of the world will make us less sensitive to the Spirit as we adopt the world’s values (Lk 6:45; Phil 4:8). The Bible instructs us to “Guard your heart more than any treasure for it is the wellspring of life” (Prov 4:23). As the visual realm is so powerful, a good motto to live by is, “I will set before my eyes no vile thing”. Also saturate your mind

Chart your journey by the correct signposts

with the promises of God, the positive statements and principles of Scripture, such as – “I am with you always…All things work together for the good of those that love God…God is love” (Ps 101:3; Mt 28:20; Rom 8:28; 1 Jn 4:8). Put your faith in God who remains committed to keeping His Word (Num 23:19). Our reference points need to be trustworthy and stable, as from them, we chart our life, and gain stability in the storms of life.