The Plumbline

Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. (Philippians 2:14-16 NLT) Do everything - not some things, or just the things that feel good, but all things. Without complaining or arguing - now scripture has gone to meddling, hasn't it? We might be able to say we are willing to do some things without complaint, but ALL things? The more we complain, the less we invest. The more we argue, the further from the point we find ourselves. No wonder God asks us to do ALL things without complaint or argument! If we want to shine like bright lights in a very dark world, we need to put aside our need to always be right, always be in control, and always be heard. Sometimes we just need ...

A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to him, and the people begged Jesus to lay his hands on the man to heal him. Jesus led him away from the crowd so they could be alone. He put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then, spitting on his own fingers, he touched the man’s tongue. Looking up to heaven, he sighed and said, “Ephphatha,” which means, “Be opened!” Instantly the man could hear perfectly, and his tongue was freed so he could speak plainly! Jesus told the crowd not to tell anyone, but the more he told them not to, the more they spread the news. They were completely amazed and said again and again, “Everything he does is wonderful. He even makes the deaf to hear and gives speech to those who cannot speak.” (Mark 7:32-37 NLT) Sometimes the more we want to hear, the less we actually hear. We lean in, trying to get a little closer to the one speaking, only to miss the fullness of what was shared. At other times, we wish we hadn't heard quite so clearly because what we he...

So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house right on the ground, without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins. (Luke 6:46-49) Come, listen, obey - a house built on a strong foundation. Listen and disobey - a house built on a pretty wobbly and unreliable foundation.  Come - take time with him. Get in close proximity to him. Remove all the barriers or distractions to hearing his voice. Seek his face and you will never be disappointed by the time you take out of your day to do just that. It is the beginning of a solid foundation. Hear, bu...