The Plumbline

Confucius said: "By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest."  Reflection is really a combination of what we are learning right now based upon our consideration of past experiences. We are going through something right now, but the events and outcomes of the past play a big part in how we 'interpret' the present situation. We spend time thinking about what we have already learned (past events) and what it is God is trying to teach us right now, don't we? Psalm 119:15 reminds us to study God's commandments and reflect on his ways. Psalm 119:55 tells us the result of that reflection: "I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord; therefore, I obey your instructions." Obedience is to be the outcome of reflection! In observing God's actions throughout scripture, we come to a place of learning when he will act, how it is he will do s...

The lifestyle of good people is like sunlight at dawn that keeps getting brighter until broad daylight. The lifestyle of the wicked is like total darkness, and they will never know what makes them stumble. (Proverbs 4:18-19) Ball players from major leagues, actors and actresses, and a myriad of other rather insanely rich people have opulent homes and properties that make eyes pop and people dream about what it would be like to live with such luxury. Nothing screams for attention more than the "gaudiness" of trying to "put on the Ritz" like so many do with their 'oversized' homes. Nothing shows the shallowness of life quite like the need to "show" what one has. What we have is one thing, who we are at the core of our being is quite another! What we have may be on "display" for others to admire and drool over; what we display from the recesses of our heart is what really speaks the loudest though! The closer we draw to Christ, the brighte...