In the world of construction, the plumb line is used as a means to ensure that the construction worker hits the right spot and stays on target.
We use this same concept in relationship to society -- in short, what is embraced by social norms and what isn't.
The basis for a plumb line goes back over 2,000 years, even to the building of the Pyramids. The concept of having a plumb line as a societal measure of what's right and wrong has been around for just as long.
We've heard it said that the Bible is a measure, or plumb line, of making sure that what we are doing is right or wrong. Far too often we chide others for not 'measuring up' against the plumb line -- as they get 'off target'.
Any practice of faith, or of common social norms, usually has a set structure of rules to follow -- what's allowed, what's not allowed. Simply put, these daily practices have their own plumb line to follow.
Some plumb lines don't always run true; where they pointed to was slightly off. In the construction world, even being slightly off means that an entire building would be off, and rework would have to be done.
The question at times is determining which plumb line runs true -- which plumb line has a proven track record of truth. I pray that you find the true plumb line.
What's interesting about the plumb line is that we are the one's holding it. We have the choice of how we hold it, steady and true, or waving it around half hazardly.
I'm often reminding of the scripture that says, "everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial."
So I ask, "what plumb line do you use? and is it something that is truly constructive in your life?"
What plumb line are you using? What plumb line should you be using? How do you know the difference?
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Comments (9)
A person can not be his/her own measuring stick. The Catholic Church is mine.
A person can not be his/her own measuring stick. The Catholic Church is mine.
@monobeam@xanga - absolutely correct. A person Can't be his/her own measuring stick.
@monobeam@xanga - @edlives - Why the catholic (Or any) church? Why not depend on the holy spirit and Jesus instead?
@JCCroom@xanga - You are also correct. :) Great insight.
@JCCroom@xanga - because Jesus Christ established a Church, Matthew 16:18-19. We Catholics believe that Church to be the Catholic Church, and Church history does support this. Aside from that, Christ never intended someone's faith to be just that person and their bible, alone in their room. Yes, faith is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, but Jesus also establishes His Church upon Peter, essentially naming him the first Pope, and Christ then marries His Bride, His Church. It wasn't until after all that happened that the early Catholic Church put together Divinely-inspired Scripture. without too much more thought on the matter, if anyone is functioning via sola scriptura theology, he or she is still working out their fiath through the Church, as the bible is a product of early Catholic Church leaders, of course through Spiritual Revelation.
@JCCroom@xanga - "Why the catholic (Or any) church? Why not depend on the holy spirit and Jesus instead?"
Good question. I feel that if I were not part of the Catholic Church, then I would be being my own measuring stick, my own plumb line.
@rusty0505@xanga - History does not support it as much as Catholics like to claim.
@monobeam@xanga - Just as I said I prefer for Jesus and the holy spirit for mine! I don't want to depend on people or myself, because people (Even God fearing people) are flawed as am I.
Ultimately one has to be one's own plumb line. Even if you claim you are using Jesus' or any other prophet or philosopher's plumb line you have none the less determined for yourself that is your plumb line and if you misinterpret their plumb lines it is still in your hands. All of the prophets and respected philosophers throughout history simply tried to guide people around them as to how to control the plumb line. People like priests come along and more often than not mess with the advice already given to detrimental ends. As long as you're not connected directly but rather going through an intermediary your plumb line is probably going to be off kilter.