The 2 Standards
Most of the meditations in the Spiritual Exercises revolve around scripture passages but there are some that focus on a specific Kingdom principle. One of the most compelling is “The Two Standards”. A standard is a flag or emblem raised on a pole to be clearly seen as the rallying point of an army. In this case, one standard is that of Christ and the other of the devil (or understood as the way of the world).
I spent time on this very powerful meditation a few weeks ago, yet it continues to divulge more relevance. In particular, I am noticing that the best kind of allegiance is that built on love.
In truth, this is what the retreat does best. It penetrates the surface going beneath the waterline so that you begin to notice not only your actions, emotions and responses to the world around you; but also, what motivates you to act or respond in a certain way. This allows us to see more like God sees: “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7).
So, as I imagined 2 armies under their standards lined up in front of one another. Under the Good King’s standard, I imagined the King Himself and around Him, His knights. These knights then disperse to their men, lead them in the fight against the enemy and when the battle is over, they return to the King’s table. There they tell their stories. Honor is bestowed and treasure is distributed. This is when I notice the hearts of two particular knights.
One was terribly successful. He is skillful and a natural born leader who has won many battles. He is confident, obedient to his king following the orders given him. Yet, as I watch him here in the great banquet hall surrounded by his peers and the loving glance of his king, I realize he is motivated in large part by his desire for attention, riches and glory. I wonder if his love for the “good life” is stronger than his love for his king. And then I wonder if he has ever paused to reflect on this, because I know I didn’t before this meditation.
Then, I notice another knight. He too is obedient and leads his men well, winning many battles. Yet, as I watch him at his King’s table I notice the way he often glances at his King who has glanced at him first with great love and affection. I am struck by this knight’s humility, love and faithfulness to his King. I realize that if there were no rewards, if they were gathering in caves instead of castles (1 Sam. 24:3), this knight would follow and obey his King. His motivation is love and his heart’s desire is to honor and serve the One he loves. I realize I want a heart like that.
Lord, transform me deep in my heart. I know I will only be motivated by a deep love for you in all that I do if I first understand and receive Your deep love for me. So I ask that You root and ground me in Your love. That I be able to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is Christ’s love for me. And that I would know and experience this Love even though it surpasses all human knowledge (Eph. 3:18).
May it be so, Lord!
Media image by @cas1111
