Raising The Bar: 4 Ways To Arise And Shine Forth
“Raising the bar” in one’s life, in one’s home, in one’s church, in one’s community is akin to planting seeds for a better tomorrow. Discover four ways we can “raise the bar” and “arise and shine forth”, that our light may shine for the world to see.
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Hugelkultur Gardening
Some time ago I found myself wishing I had access to free logs. Why? So that I might increase the number of Hugelkultur garden beds in my yard.
Hugelkultur is a type of gardening where raised hill beds made of compostable materials are created atop large logs. These hill beds create a nutrient-rich mound into which plants can be sown. Since the mounds create nutrients and retain moisture, it is an efficient, low-labor, and sustainable gardening method.
One Saturday morning, much to my delight, I was offered a pile of free logs. Three hours later, the logs were stacked high in my backyard, waiting to be made into Hugelkultur gardens. As I looked at the pile of logs, I felt so grateful!
Raising The Bar
Later that night, after my work in the backyard was finished, my daughter and I spent an hour discussing a matter close to our hearts—the impact that “raising the bar” has in our personal lives, in our homes, in our churches, and in our communities.
“Raising the bar” means to set high expectations for oneself, and to continue to strive to meet those expectations, even if everyone else around you is comfortable with status quo.
Imagine my delight when, this morning, at a church youth activity, the leadership announced their desire to “raise the bar” for the youth in our church. As I reflected on this announcement to “raise the bar”, I felt so grateful!
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A Happier Outcome
As I consider these two separate experiences⎯Hugelkultur gardening and “raising the bar”⎯I realize that they have much in common. True, they both reference the word “raise”. But it goes deeper than that.
In a similar way that Hugelkultur gardening creates nutrient-rich mounds that produce healthy plants, so, too, does “raising the bar” increase the amount of positive consequences and blessings one receives. One might receive personal peace, increased confidence, or more personal revelation, thus producing a better, richer, happier outcome on one’s journey through life.
It is time for us to rise and become that “city that is set on a hill [that] can not be hid” (Matthew 5:14).
It is time to “raise the bar”.
Acceptable Level of Righteousness
In his book, “Romanced to Death (The Sexual Seduction of American Culture)“, Paul deParrie speaks of the mediocrity that sets in with the lowering of standards (“lowering the bar”):
A major fault of the Pharisees of Jesus’ time was their ‘acceptable level of righteousness’. It wasn’t so much that they were actually righteous according to the law–or even trying to be–but that they found their own ‘acceptable level of righteousness’ and despised those who did not follow suit.
Today, when a Christian seriously strives for perfection, other churchmen do not encourage him but rather slander him as self-righteous or pharisaical. Mediocrity is even too high a standard as many churches virtually trample one another in the dash to become ‘relevant’ to all members. What they actually mean is to lower the standard until ANYONE can meet it–the World War II ‘convoy method’ of moving at the speed of the slowest ship.
Paul deParrie
In order to resist the ‘convoy method’, or pull of mediocrity in our lives, we must make a conscious decision to “Arise and shine forth, that [our] light may be a standard for the nations” (D&C 115:5).
Arise and Shine Forth!
Following are four ways we can “raise the bar” and “arise and shine forth”, that our light may shine for the world to see:
First: Have Integrity
Personal integrity is a valuable asset in our relationship with God and others.
According to Webster’s 1928 dictionary, integrity is defined as: “The entire, unimpaired state of any thing, particularly of the mind; moral soundness or purity; incorruptness; uprightness; honesty. Integrity comprehends the whole moral character, but has a special reference to uprightness in mutual dealings, transfers of property, and agencies for others.”
Consider the following list of spoken and unspoken “rules” or “beliefs” in our society. Which, if any, align with your personal values?
“It’s not cool to associate with unpopular kids.”
“Doctor knows best.”
“The government is here to help.”
“C-sections are the best birthing option.”
“Once a mother has a c-section, all remaining deliveries must be by c-section.”
“Hospitals are the most ideal place for labor, delivery, and recovery.”
“Students are allowed to act any way they’d like in class; we’re just happy they came to class.”
“Medication is the only option.”
“My vote won’t matter.”
“Food choices don’t matter.”
“Life is to be spent seeking my own personal happiness.”
“Money can buy happiness.”
“Mothers belong in the workforce.”
“One person can’t make a difference.”
“Public Schools provide the best education.”
Consider
Integrity, in part, involves being a rule breaker.
Integrity is doing the right thing, no matter what.
Are you willing to go against the grain and stand alone when your values don’t align with the values of others?
Those who base their choices on moral law, agency, and truth will always have personal integrity for a companion.
Did you know?
In 1933, Hitler declared a boycott of Jewish stores. Secret Agents stood at the store doorways, intimidating shoppers from entering, and handing out pamphlets that declared:
“Germans, protect yourselves! Don’t buy from Jews!”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer‘s grandmother ignored the SA men, entering one Jewish store, and then another, informing the SA men that she would shop where she liked.
Would you have had the integrity to do the same?
It is…time to do what is right regardless of the consequences that might follow.
Gordon B. Hinckley
Second: Human Connection
Spend more intentional time having face-to-face interactions with others. Such interactions cultivate character and provide opportunities for human compassion and personal growth. I’ll never forget the impact that one personal interaction had on me several years ago when my evening routine was interrupted by the door bell. Discover who and what stood behind my front door here.
The Power of a Name
When was the last time you called someone by their first name?
While reading from Max Lucado’s book “Traveling Light” about the promise of Psalm 23, I came across passages that left me crying. Why? Because the examples he shares in the book about the power of a name nearly consumed me.
Our ability to connect with God, as well as our ability to connect with others, begins by addressing the individual by name.
Whether you are speaking to a friend in person, emailing someone you’ve never met, texting, writing a letter, or any other form of communication, mention the person by name and see if it doesn’t strengthen your connection to them.
Traveling Light
Releasing the burdens you were never intended to bear by popular Christian author Max Lucado
Third: Spirit-Filled Leisure
When you’re searching for just the right activity to help you relax at the end of a busy week, select an activity that invites the Holy Spirit to be present. This book list and movie list offer inspiration.
Boldly dare to be different.
Dare to raise the bar.
Dare to be virtuous in a world that shuns virtue.
Fourth: Joy-Filled Worship
Whether through song, God’s Word, or gathering with fellow saints, there is joy to be found in worshipping. Consider these 61 ways to worship in ways that will bring joy.
“How do you change your behavior? Change what you worship.” ~ Timothy Keller
Leisure: The Basis of Culture
Discover the connection between leisure and worship in this fascinating and classic work by author Josef Piper.
Conclusion
Whether you’re planting an actual Hugelkultur garden, or planting seeds for a better tomorrow by “raising the bar” and letting your light shine, you can make a positive difference in this world.
What seeds will you choose to plant today?
In what ways will your light shine?
Inspirational Resources by Artist Dana Tanamachi
