The Plumbline

That’s plain enough, isn’t it? You’re no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He’s using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he’s using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home. (Ephesians 2:19-22 MSG) God is building a home - not just a residence, but a home. When most of us think of home, we think of a place where one is welcomed, settles in, and is able to really feel safe. Some may not have come from a very 'safe' or 'welcoming' home life, though, so their interpretation of Jesus 'building a home' m...

Parents everywhere are faced with the challenge of teaching their children manners as they grow up. Society sets expectations of how people should 'behave' when interacting with each other. The lessons vary from chewing with your mouth closed, elbows off the table, say 'please' and 'thank you'. Other lessons may be taught in some cultures - things like hold a door open for others, respect your elders, no back-talk, and the list goes on. When someone spoke to me, I was taught to answer them. When they gave me something, I was taught to thank them. Whenever someone thanked me, I was to tell them they were welcome. Simple manners - yet so much meaning behind them. First, when I was being spoken to, answering revealed just how well I had been listening. When someone gifted me with something, a simple thank you let the other person know I appreciated the gift. Whenever I let someone know they were welcome, I was showing I cared about them meeting a need. Welcom...