Standards

We just had our stake Young Women basketball tournament. I’m always surprised how many girls come out to play basketball. It’s a sport I have never enjoyed playing; I don’t think any of my girls liked it either.

Maybe I would have like it better if they lowered the standard so I could make more baskets. It was just too high. I have since learned that they almost never lower the standard for any age or circumstance. It is called a standard for a reason: because it is always set at a standard height.

I like that word “standard”. It reminds me of the standards we are supposed to be living. We wish those standards could be lowered to a level that is easier to reach. But those standards never change—not for any age or circumstance. They are Celestial standards; they are God's standards. It is not meant for them to come down to us; it is for us to come up to them.


I love the promises given in the pamphlet, For the Strength of YOUth, to those who try to live the standards:

▪ You will be able to do your life’s work with greater wisdom and skill.
▪ You will feel good about your self.
▪ You will be a positive influence in the lives of others.
▪ Your opportunities and strength will be increased.
▪ Your vision will be expanded.
▪ The Lord will make much more out of your life than you can by yourself.
▪ He will give you the help you need to meet your trials and challenges.
▪ You will have the help of the Holy Ghost.
▪ You will find true joy as you come to know the Lord and feel His love for you.
▪ You will build the Kingdom of God and prepare the world for the Second Coming.


Are the standards set too high?

I don’t think so.

Look at what points we can score.

Look at the Game we can win.


It will take some practice, and some high reaching,

but I’m ready to play.



A man's reach should exceed his grasp, or else what's a heaven for?
Robert Browning