The Plumbline

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. (Ephesians 4:21-24) The old sinful nature is just a 'snag' waiting to trip us up if we don't cast it off once and for all. We need to let go of our past, including the desires and lusts of that way of life, and lay hold of this new way of living. Once we determine to do that, we will make strides in our Christian walk. The 'limping around' old lifestyle is done with - we now walk upright, strong, and with purpose like never before.  We put off the old nature - all its ways - and put on the new one Christ gives us. We cannot expect change if we don't get up and walk away from whatever it was that held us bound in our past. As long as we hold onto the ...

My dear brothers and sisters, always be more willing to listen than to speak. Keep control of your anger. Anger does not help you live the way God wants. So get rid of everything evil in your lives—every kind of wrong you do. Be humble and accept God’s teaching that is planted in your hearts. This teaching can save you. (James 1:19-21) How good are you at listening? I don't mean just letting someone speak on and on, but truly listening to what is being said. We can all tune out someone who is droning on about some subject. It takes some effort to reconnect and pay attention, doesn't it? Listen more than you speak - those are words to live by - if we'd just listen to them! Why is it we have relationship issues? It usually began with something said that was misinterpreted, or a failing to say anything at all when the moment came and went. Truth be told, the 'relationship issues' we have with our heavenly Father are no different. We come and talk, talk, talk with him i...