Back last year we finalised a new Church Logo, and for a while now I’ve been seeking the Lord about a strap line, something that is short and communicates what we’re about. We came up with some really good ideas, but whatever I or others came up with, didn’t witness that it was right.
Then a few weeks ago as I was walking and praying about the Church, this came to me.
Three things tell me it’s what God wants us to use :
Firstly I didn’t think it up, it came to me, I believe from the Holy Spirit.
Secondly, I didn’t even like it.
Thirdly it wouldn’t go away and God kept confirming it to me.

‘Raising the Standard – Jesus’.

It’s a phrase that has grown on me as I’ve accepted that it’s what the Lord wants and as I’ve thought more about what it’s saying. I hope it will grow on you too.

As you probably realise, it works on different levels:

As followers of God….for whom nothing is impossible.
As those who are called to a high calling, to aim for perfection.
As those who Jesus has said to be salt and light in society.
As believers full of the Holy Spirit who take the Kingdom of God…His rule…wherever we go. As God’s people, ….we can have a dynamic, and dramatic effect on the places where we live and work.
Raising the standard – of care, of commitment, of truth and integrity, of morality….for the glory of the Lord.
Not settling for second best, or surviving, or plodding along, but being the best that we can be in Christ.
Jesus in us, is the One who does it, starting with us and then moving us out into our communities, as we co-operate with Him and step out in faith and courage.

Another important way to look at this, is raising the flag…that sort of standard…and that standard, that flag, that banner is Jesus.
Think of an army, particularly from the time of the Bible, or even the middle ages:

• The standard in an army is honoured and respected.
• The standard in an army says who they are, it is their identity.
• The standard is where they rally to, it is their central focus and point of reference.
• The standard is what is lifted up to be seen and known by others.

You could say that we have other standards too, the love of God, the Word of God, righteousness, and so on, and we will lift these up as God calls us to, …..but ultimately, Jesus is our standard. It is He who we honour, we look to, and who we lift up.

Jesus…Saviour, Healer, Baptiser in the Holy Spirit, and Coming King.