On Measuring Up To Rules & Norms

In every community, there are rules and norms. Rules are guidelines for human behavior intended primarily to institute order in community. Without rules, chaos will prevail. Norms are patterns of human behavior that reflect the spiritual values of a community. Without norms, the vision and purposes of the community will be unrealizable. Together, they form a set of expectations against which individual members and the community as a whole are measured.

It is natural to expect conformance to our rules and norms. Human frailty, however, makes it impractical to expect unfailing conformance, even of gifted and mature disciples. The reality of human weakness is best expressed by St. Paul in Rm 7:15 “What I do, I do not understand. For I do not do what I want, but I do what I hate.” While acknowledging this truth in His teaching and discipling of His followers, Jesus Christ would not accept human frailty as an excuse for mediocrity. He commanded them: “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect” Mt 5:48. But how does a creature weakened by sin become perfect just like his Creator?

The Word of God from Heb 2:10 clues us in to the answer: “For it was fitting that He, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the leader to their salvation perfect through suffering.” Our perfection lies in our persevering willingness to suffer for the sake of Jesus, for the sake of His gospel, for the sake of His love. Suffering comes in various forms of martyrdom, like forgiving those who have offended us, encouraging those who have failed us, aiding those who are helpless and struggling, bearing the burdens and pains of those who suffer. Struggles and suffering are essential companions in our journey to perfection in Christ.

We should therefore never give up on ourselves, on others, and on our community- even in the face of failure to measure up to rules and norms. The gospel is filled with examples of how Jesus dealt with His disciples who did not measure up. For example, Jesus prophesied on the eve of His crucifixion that Peter will deny Him: “Simon, Simon, behold Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed that your own faith may not fail; and once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers” Lk 22:31-32. In spite of His foreknowledge of Peter’s denial, Jesus’ love for him did not waver. The Lord prayed for him, expressed His confidence that Peter will return to God, and charged him with the task of strengthening his fellow disciples when he did return!

“…Have peace in Me. In the world, you will experience trouble. But take courage, for I have conquered the world.” Jn 16:33