Several years ago it was reported that the telephone operator in a town in Cape Cod received a call every morning asking for the correct time. Finally, overcome with curiosity, she asked the inquirer, "Would you mind telling me why you call about this time every day and ask for the correct time?" "Sure, I'll tell you," the man said. "I want to get the exact time because I'm the man who blows the whistle at twelve o'clock." "Well, that's funny," said the operator, "because every day at the stroke of noon I set our clock by your whistle."

How often do we set spiritual standards for ourselves based on what others are doing - without even considering what standard they are following? It is good to follow the examples of others ONLY if those setting the examples are following the CORRECT standard themselves. The apostle Paul says, Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). Note that he says following another (him) must always be with the greater view of following Christ. To follow the example of others, without being aware of what standard they themselves are following, is the height of folly. The Scriptures speak of those who, "measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise" (2 Corinthians 10:12). Let us ultimately always set our spiritual clocks by the Lord, not man.

- Sterling Herald, 6/21/15