The Plumbline

I said to myself, “I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will hold my tongue when the ungodly are around me.”  But as I stood there in silence—not even speaking of good things—the turmoil within me grew worse. (Psalm 39:1-2 NLT) Watch what you do - hold your tongue - because one moment of indecision or distracted attention can end up in a load of misery and guilt. The more we attempt to watch our tongue, the more sensitive we may become to what is being said around us by those who are definitely not as conscious of their words. In fact, we may want to confront them for their words - whether they be harsh or judgmental, lies or just purposeful misguided trickery. Stand in silence way too long and it is as though you condone what is being said, the misleading lies standing as truth in your eyes, too. There are moments when we should stay silent and those in which it is time to stand up and speak the truth in wisdom. We need Jesus' help to know which is which. Tu...

Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?  Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord, and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever. (Psalm 15 NLT) Who gets invited into God's presence time and time again? Who enjoys the freedom of access into his presence without worry or fear? Those who have said yes to his invitation, of course! - Those who walk straight, act right, and tell the truth. That is a pretty big order on the scale of obedience, is it not? Walk straight with no deviation from God's planned course. We attempt deviations all t...