Standards (or flags) have been used throughout generations for identification - to identify whether friend or foe. The troops rallied behind the standard - it was their strength, their point of unity and the line they stood behind.
The moral standard we set can be viewed the same way. Others, not just our own children, can look to the standard we set and be strengthened, and made wise in the same way we can read Torah examples such as Deuteronomy 4 and see what not to do. There is a cost to keeping a standard but there is an even greater cost in not having a standard. Many people throughout history have lost their lives in order to keep their standard of holiness and to observe G-d's commandments with all of their heart. But their legacy they leave behind for the rest of us makes it all worth it.
I'm keeping a standard right now that is causing a separation in my family. It is a difficult walk I'm endeavoring to "hold fast to" but I am trusting in the testimonies of my L-rd. I have come to accept that I may not see the reward of my obedience in my lifetime but I do know that the reward is there. I have faith to see it and believe it.
Deuteronomy 4:6 says,
"So keep and do them [G-d's statues and judgments] for that is your wisdom and understanding in the sight of the peoples...." verse 9, "Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons."
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