Setting the Standard of His Image

We often hear the phrase, "You teach people how to treat you." In the world, this is often interpreted as a call for aggressive boundary-setting, manipulation, or defensive posturing to ensure we aren't "taken advantage of." But when you are a follower of Christ, the standard for how you are treated changes from a defensive tactic into a reflection of your identity.

If you are living in daily surrender, as we discussed yesterday, you are no longer a person governed by your own ego. You are governed by the King. Consequently, the way you allow people to treat you is a testimony to how you believe God values you.

If you allow others to treat you with disrespect, dishonesty, or chaos, you are essentially telling the world that you do not believe you are a child of the Most High. To teach people how to treat you, you don't need to be loud or combative. You simply need to carry yourself with the dignity of someone who is already seated with Christ in heavenly places. People will naturally treat you according to the level of self-respect you demonstrate.

Earlier this week, we talked about tearing down the walls we build out of fear. But there is a difference between a wall of isolation and a boundary of stewardship.

Walls are built to keep everyone out because you don't trust anyone.

Boundaries are filters that allow you to steward your energy and your spirit well.

You teach people how to treat you by consistently enforcing the standard of His Kingdom. If you tolerate behavior that violates God's principles in your life, you are inviting confusion into your "chain of command." By walking in integrity, truth, and grace, you signal to others: "I answer to a higher authority, and I invite you to interact with me on that same level."

The most common trap for believers is thinking that being "Christ-like" means being a doormat. Jesus was the most loving person who ever lived, yet He was also the most boundary-conscious. He walked away from crowds, He rebuked the religious elite, and He did not cast His pearls before swine.

You can possess the "perfect love" we spoke of—a love that is kind and merciful—while simultaneously refusing to participate in behaviors that degrade your spirit or compromise your walk. You teach people how to treat you by having the courage to say, "I value you too much to allow this kind of interaction, and I value my own assignment from God too much to be distracted by it."

Look at the relationships in your life. Are there areas where you have been "teaching" people that it is acceptable to treat you poorly because you were afraid of conflict or lack of approval?

Identify the Pattern: Where have you lowered your standard to keep the peace?

Reclaim Your Identity: Remind yourself today that your worth is not negotiable. It was paid for by the blood of Christ.

Execute with Grace: You don't have to be mean to set a standard. You just have to be firm in your walk.