You may have to work for a “ring” here on earth, but God looks at us, right in the middle of our mess, and still gives us THE robe and THE ring.

What man do you know has done that without hesitation?

We spend so much time wanting to be chosen, pursued, loved, and affirmed by another person… another human being. We love when someone looks at us and says, “That’s my ole lady.” Or, “That’s my man.”

Don’t get me wrong! There’s absolutely nothing wrong with desiring love, companionship, marriage, or a beautiful relationship.

But how much more should we celebrate being chosen by God?

1 John 3:1 says:

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are.”

That blows my mind…

God knows the mess and all of our mistakes. He knows every part that we don’t show everybody else. And still, He calls us His children.

But here’s where I had to check myself:

This isn’t about everything God can give us. It’s about genuinely desiring God Himself.

If we’re not careful, we can turn “raise your standards” into a list of things we want God to give us.

A relationship, marriage, blessings, or a prayer answered the way we want it answered.

What if raising our standards isn’t primarily about getting more from God?

What if it’s about wanting more of God?

1 Peter 2:9 says:

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession…”

Before somebody chooses you, God has already called you chosen.

Before somebody puts a ring on your finger, God has already given you an identity.

Before somebody tells you that you’re worth loving, God has already demonstrated His love for you.

And that should change what we’re willing to settle for… right?

God desires us to be near Him. He wants a relationship with us (like a ’90s R&B singer).

He is there at all times. He doesn’t have “off hours.”

He’s never toooooo busy.

Kenny Lattimore voice.

Yet sometimes we become so easily pleased with what people can give us.

Again, things can be beautiful, but they were never meant to replace what God offers us.

So, raise your standards.

Not because you’re entitled to a perfect life or because God owes you every desire of your heart.

And certainly not to see how much you can get from God.

Raise your standards because you know who you belong to, and you get excited at the thought of being chosen by Him.

Desire all of the good things that He desires for us—love, marriage, companionship, intimacy.

But… desire Him first.

And don’t settle for anything that requires you to abandon what God has called you to be.

Because you are chosen.

You are part of a royal priesthood.

You are God’s special possession.

So don’t become so impressed by human love that you forget the love that found you first.

Or so impressed by material things that you forget who provides all things.

Raise your standards.

Desire the Truth over temporary satisfaction and God’s presence over human validation.

Most importantly, desire God more than you desire what God can give you.

The Standard is Him. Raise yours. Desire Him so that you desire what He desires for you.