The Plumbline

Rough diamonds may sometimes be mistaken for worthless pebbles. (Thomas Browne) Many of us have dealt with or continue to deal with some manner of 'self-worth', feeling somehow that our 'worth' is really not all that great at times. It might be because we have been told that for so long that we just believe what we are told. I was watching a reality show about Alaska 'bush people' yesterday and what caught my attention was the repeated statement a young man made that basically said if a stupid guy like me can learn this stuff, anyone can. Why do you think he kept referring to himself as stupid or dumb? It is probably because somewhere down the line, he has heard it repeatedly and come to believe it as truth about himself. The 'worth' we have is really never determined by human opinion - it is a God determined fact! But God’s mercy is great, and he loved us very much. Though we were spiritually dead because of the things we did against God, he gave us new...

But you are a chosen people, royal priests, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession. You were chosen to tell about the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. At one time you were not a people, but now you are God’s people. In the past you had never received mercy, but now you have received God’s mercy. (I Peter 2:9-10) A chosen people - chosen for a purpose. The purpose? To tell the world about the wonderful acts of God - especially his 'action' of redemption. The 'righting' of the world through the grace we find in Christ Jesus. Whether we are willing to admit it or not, we all live in a 'dark place' without Christ. We make decisions that are self-directed, and we don't always make wise ones. With Christ at the center of our lives, we are called to live lives that reflect the light that comes when his grace enters our lives. That 'telling' is our role - but even the empowerment to 'tell' is g...

You, Lord, are my choice, and I will obey you. With all my heart I beg you to be kind to me, just as you have promised. I pay careful attention as you lead me, and I follow closely. As soon as you command, I do what you say. Evil people may set a trap, but I obey your Law. Your laws are so fair that I wake up and praise you in the middle of the night. I choose as my friends everyone who worships you and follows your teachings. Our Lord, your love is seen all over the world. Teach me your laws. (Psalm 119:57-64) The concept of choice is all around us. With so many choices existing today, no wonder we have such a hard time deciding things on occasion. Nothing is harder than making selections when you have so many choices, even when we know exactly what we want. Isn't it good to know the choices in terms of our salvation and daily existence are clear - there is but ONE way to God and that is through his Son, Jesus. There is but ONE God we must obey. There is but ONE God who...