The Plumbline

I find there are just some individuals you cannot reason with - no matter what 'tact' you take, you will always be challenged by their arguments to the contrary. The fool just won't accept correction, much less be open to change. Those of us who have spent time attempting to change the mindset of the fool will be the first to admit there just isn't any argument we can present that will budge them from their own belief that they are correct in their way of thinking about things. In fact, they'd just as soon argue their foolish beliefs than to budge from them. Argue as they might, their beliefs are still not correct, but it will take the work of one greater than us to convince them otherwise! If you reason with an arrogant cynic, you’ll get slapped in the face; confront bad behavior and get a kick in the shins. So don’t waste your time on a scoffer; all you’ll get for your pains is abuse. But if you correct those who care about life, that’s different—they’ll love you ...

When we really determine to walk the pathway of a disciple, it will cost us. The pathway is not always traveled by as many of those we call "friends" as we'd like to think. Yet, when we find someone to travel with us in this journey of faith, what a blessing it is! We need each other to understand and fulfill God's calling on our lives. We each compliment the other, challenging and uplifting, learning together what is contained deep in the Word of God. Keep me safe, O God, I've run for dear life to you. I say to God, "Be my Lord!" Without you, nothing makes sense. And these God-chosen lives all around—what splendid friends they make! (Psalm 16:1-3) David's words ring true in the hearts of many who engage in this walk of discipleship with Christ - without you, God, absolutely nothing makes sense at all. We can attempt to make sense out of tragedy, loss, or even a success all on our own. Without God, and those he places in our lives as fellow traveler...