The Plumbline

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it. (I Corinthians 10:13 MSG) People frequently misquote this verse to mean God will not allow anything to come our way that is bad or too difficult for us to get through. Look again - it deals with testing times and temptations we might not have known would come our way. It doesn't say we will never face them and be challenged by them. It tells us we won't be pushed 'past our limits' because he will help us come through those times. Not escape them - go through them with his help to get us through them. It doesn't say we will never lose a job, but we can count on God to help us find a new one, help us figure out how to make ends meet until we do, and send us the necessary help that will be needed as we go through tho...

I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No lazy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself. (I Corinthians 9:26-27 MSG) The Levi's jean brand has a commercial that emphasizes that we need to 'get up off of that thing', meaning we need to be up and about, not sitting idly by. Their brand isn't meant to just be worn - it is meant to be worn 'out'. Guess what? Our 'brand' isn't meant to be just worn either - it is meant to be 'worn out' for the world to see and experience firsthand! Christians aren't to be 'closeted away' behind building walls - they are meant to be active in their community, helpful in their workplaces, and supportive in their extended families! Running hard for the finish line doesn't mean we leave things till the last minute. It means we ...