The Plumbline

So then, whatever you desire that others would do to and for you, even so do also to and for them, for this is (sums up) the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12 AMP) The 'to' and 'for' is kind of a different way of interpreting this familiar passage, isn't it? What would you have another do 'to' and 'for' you? If we are honest here, the imperative is that we act or behave in the manner we want others to act or behave toward us. We are always being observed, no matter our 'stature' or 'prominence' in this society. Consider for just a moment some of the behavior we have seen from those in prominent positions. Do they behave with decorum and grace? Or do they behave with a lack of sensitivity toward others? The higher our 'prominence' or 'position' in life, the more we can count on others observing our behavior and adopting similar behavior as 'okay'. It is as though we 'set the norm' for behavior for tho...

For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently. (I Corinthians 10:13 AMP) A long passage for such a short verse, huh? In the more traditional translations, it reads: The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be mo...