The Plumb Line…

“Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

As I have mentioned before, I have been listening to the gospels and Revelation over and over again because Jesus speaks to us in these books. I have LOVED doing this because it helps me get to know Jesus, and imprint on Him and learn what is important to HIM. After doing this for almost three years now I am getting a much better feel for His truths and replacing the lies I have believed with the truth according to HIM. This has been a remarkable journey!! To say that it has been transforming would be an understatement. I guess you can say that I am becoming more and more familiar with the “Plumb line” of our faith! Our “True North”, the ROCK and foundation for our lives.

I used the term “Plumb line” because that is what came to mind when I wanted to write this blog. Here is the definition of plumb line:  1:a line (as of cord) that has at one end a weight (such as a plumb bob) and is used especially to determine verticality 2:a line directed to the center of gravity of the earth :a vertical line

And along those same lines here is a “chalk line” definition: A chalk line or chalk box is a tool for marking long, straight lines on relatively flat surfaces, much farther than is practical by hand or with a straightedge. They may be used to lay out straight lines between two points, or vertical lines by using the weight of the line reel as a plumb line. It is an important tool in carpentry…  (I thought “important tool in carpentry” was a cool reference since Jesus was a carpenter too!)

As I understand it, these tools are used to determine the straightest, truest vertical and horizontal lines possible. To make sure that everything that is done or built afterwards is straight and true for a good solid structure and foundation.

So, with that said, every once in a while I will go from listening to the gospels to listening to the whole New Testament, because I know there is a lot of good stuff in the other books as well. But, a very interesting thing has happened the last couple of times I have done this! I am finding that there are times that what is said in the other books do not always line up with what Jesus says! Are you surprised!? I know I was! And I will definitely give you some examples in a bit so you can see what I mean for yourself.

If Jesus is the “Plumb line” on which we build the foundation of our faith, then I think it is super important that we KNOW what He said, don’t you? Yes, yes… I too thought I knew what Jesus said, but what I am finding out is that I really DIDN’T know Jesus’ words the way I thought I did, but only what I was taught and told by others, and then I too passed that misinformation on. Yes, we were well intentioned but we learned it wrong from someone else and now we are playing the “telephone” game, passing on information from others, adding our own thoughts and misunderstandings as they go through our own doctrinal filters without checking with our Plumb Line. And then we try to build our faith on these rickety foundations that will only fall apart when tested. I think we can all say we have experienced something like that at some point in time, and then we wondered what happened, right?! We might have even blamed God for hurtful and painful events and may even still be angry at Him for something we thought we understood about Him or His promises that didn’t happen the way we thought it would/should!

Yes, I DO believe that God put the Bible together and that it is ALL HIS Word, and everything that is in the Bible is supposed to be there! But, maybe there are some things in there that we have to discern as to what we will apply to our lives as truth and what is just something said by the person who wrote it? Like in all things of “faith” we have a choice as to what we will believe. Let’s take the apostle Paul for example. As I read his writings there are times I think to myself, “WOW! That was brilliant and definitely Spirit inspired!” And other times he says things and I think to myself “Ok, that was just ‘Paul’ and not so much Spirit led”.

Don’t get me wrong here, I LOVE Paul and think he wrote some amazing and insightful stuff, and I don’t mean to pick on him, but he is a very good example of the point I want to make. We tend to think of the Biblical characters, especially the apostles, as “special” and almost super human but they were just normal people, like you and me, who God used to do His work. Paul, and the others, were just regular guys, and therefore capable of making mistakes, well-meaning but just human. But Jesus was God AND man and He didn’t make mistakes. So, whose words and instructions should we KNOW, pay the most attention to and follow? Which books of the Bible should we know more than any others?

Paul was raised as a Pharisee and was most definitely what we would call a “type A personality”! He did everything with his whole being! He even said that of himself in these scriptures: “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee.” Acts 23:6.  “…circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless...” Philippians 3:5. And I think that is exactly why Jesus chose him! Because whatever he did, he did it with his whole heart! He was ALL IN all the time! But, as passionate as he was, he was still human, and not perfect.

So, as I have listened to some of Paul’s letters I can’t help but think that maybe he slipped in and out of his “Pharisaical roots”. There are times when he preached grace, love and forgiveness but then every once in a while he slips into the law, legalism and religion. Also in his humanness he confesses several times of being “afraid” and in that fear he tries to “control” the thinking and actions of the churches, enforcing rules and regulations to keep the people in line instead of trusting God with them. And in his humanness he gets hurt, frustrated and angry, just like us! But, I don’t see Jesus doing that at all! Jesus trusts God and the Holy Spirit in all ways and at all times. And of course I don’t have to tell you that there was NO fear in Him. He was not intimidated by men or demons and only did what the Father told Him to do in absolute love, kindness, mercy, grace and compassion. And He is our example of how we need to behave and treat others. So we really need to KNOW what He said and use HIS words as our foundation and True North, not Paul, Peter, James or John, not our Pastors, and not anyone else in our lives. We have to take EVERYTHING back to our ROCK and Plumb Line to make sure we have it right. I am not saying to disregard what others say but to line it up with what Jesus said to make sure it matches up with His words of Truth.

Ok, as promised earlier, here are a couple of scriptural comparisons between Paul and Jesus:

Paul:

“Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him.” Titus 3:10

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-- having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Jesus:

“You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. … If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ....” Matthew 5:38-48

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35

What I hear Paul saying is to have nothing to do with people that are sinners and broken, and not exhibiting what he would consider “Christian” behavior. Tom says he thinks Paul has a hard time with allowing people to be “in process” and in transition. Since Paul’s experience was sudden and miraculous he may not understand that it takes most us of YEARS to overcome addictions, past hurts and brokenness. What Jesus is saying is that we need to LOVE everyone, at all times and at all stages of our journey, even our enemies and those who are not easy to be around, you know, those difficult people that we ALL struggle with.

Paul:

 “I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people--not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you." 1 Corinthians 5:9-13

“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? …” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Jesus:

“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:27-31

“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Matthew 9:10-13

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:36-37

“For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:2

Again, Paul is placing himself in the seat of “judgment” on believers AND unbelievers who don’t meet his criteria, saying not to have anything to do with them but that is exactly who Jesus hung out with! Jesus was criticized for spending time with tax collectors and sinners but He said to the religious leaders, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor but the sick”. And then He says “In the same way you judge, you will be judged…”… Oh boy.

Paul:

“But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:3

“For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged.” 2 Corinthians 12:20-21

“For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless.” 1 Thessalonians 3:5

Jesus:

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (There are MANY scriptures of Jesus saying “do not be afraid”, and you can do a search for them, but I just picked out these two)

In our “fear” we do things and make decisions that are not beneficial or Godly. I tell the ladies I meet with not to make decisions based on fear, anger, guilt, shame or condemnation because they rarely turn out well. But instead to wait for “peace” and for God’s leading. I think Paul made some emotional, “knee jerk” reactions and decisions with the churches as he was trying to guide them. I know I have done that very same thing and have had to apologize many times!! Ministering to people can be really hard and frustrating but Jesus was always steady and confident, full of love and always went right to the heart of the matter, which was their need for Him, NOT condemning them for their sin.

Paul:

 “… A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But women will be saved through childbearing--if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.” 1 Timothy 2:9-15

“Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self- controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. …” 1 Timothy 3:1-10

“Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 4:15

Jesus:

“Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave--just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:25-26

“But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ.” Matthew 23:8–10

“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say." Luke 12:11-12

“It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me.” John 6:45

In the 1 Timothy 2 scripture, about women, this was most definitely “Paul” laying down rules and laws that were not taught by Jesus… But actually, I DO agree that neither a woman NOR a man should have ANY authority over us… ONLY God. When we elevate a man, or woman, it only places them in a position to FALL. How many Pastors and ministers over the years have you heard of that have fallen!? We were never meant to be in authority over each other but to be brothers and sisters in the Lord. Paul says that setting our hearts on being an overseer is a noble task but Jesus specifically says NOT to do that. We have only one teacher and that is Jesus and one Father and that is God.

In the 1 Timothy 3 scripture (which I cut short but you can look it up and read it all) he is laying down a very LONG list of the standards and qualifications of what an overseer should be but Tom commented that those sounded more like the qualifications for a Pharisee! Looking good on the outside but there’s no way to know his heart. In the earlier days, right after Jesus ascended, the only qualifications for a deacon was that they be “full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3) Jesus always looks at the heart. HE chose uneducated fishermen, a tax-collector, a rejected woman at the well who had been married 5 times, a demon possessed man, a leper, a blind man, etc. (The First Evangelists... How low can you go). The only qualifications were that they loved him and wanted to follow Him. It was their testimony of what God did for them that had power not their qualifications according to man. (“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…” Revelation 12:11)

Can you see what I am saying now? In Paul’s scriptures he is saying not to associate with sinners, having nothing to do with certain people, assigning overseers, making decisions based on “fear” and trying to control people with rules, regulations and standards that Jesus didn’t teach. With Jesus, He was ALL about hanging out with the sinners, loving, serving and trusting God with teaching and directing His followers. Whose instructions are we to follow??

Oh, how quickly we can fall back on our “human understanding” and leave the teachings of Jesus! If Paul did it, how much more will we if we aren’t intentional and determined to get to know our Plumb Line! I have SO been guilty of passing on incorrect information because I didn’t know Jesus like I should have and relied on others to teach me, so now I am determined to know ONLY Him, the truth and nothing but the truth, and I am taking responsibility for my own relationship, trusting God and the Holy Spirit to reveal the things I need to know as I listen to HIS words.

I certainly don’t want to sound too simplistic here. What Jesus says to do is HARD and we certainly CAN’T do it on our own! Isn’t it so much easier to not have anything to do with sinners and difficult Christians, and make up rules and regulations to protect ourselves and have more control over things? Oh yeah, it is! And we certainly can’t give what we don’t have! And if we don’t have a relationship with Jesus that pours out of us love, grace and forgiveness than we probably shouldn’t have anything to do with those people until we DO have it!

Tom made a great point regarding the scripture when Jesus reached out and touched the leper, he said that Jesus wasn’t intimidated by his sin and it wasn’t contagious to Him, but that His love and healing was more contagious to those around Him! What a great visual! WE would be terrified to touch a leper because we wouldn’t want to “catch” it, but Jesus knew His healing was more contagious than the leprosy! When we are FULL of GOD and His grace and wisdom we will be contagious too! So, we can be around anyone when we are aligned with our Plumb Line and not get impatient, frustrated or hurt and we will not be swayed or pulled into undesired sin and debauchery but instead, we can pull them into the Kingdom! As Oswald says, when we have the RIGHT relationship with Him and when we are completely and totally surrendered and relying only on Jesus, our ministry to Him happens as naturally as breathing!

Here is another scripture from Jesus that confirms what I am saying:

“Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? (Ouch!) I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete." Luke 6:46-49

Thanks for hanging in there with me! I hope it was worth it to you! But please, don’t take MY word for it, find out for yourself! Read the gospels and Revelation over and over again, for years! Hear what Jesus says and you will be amazed at the transformation you will experience!! I am looking forward to what He will show me next!  :)

Again, MOST of what Paul says is brilliant and very much Holy Spirit led so I will leave you with one of my favorites:

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.” Acts 20:24

Father, I am so thankful for your grace and forgiveness! I am also thankful for your Truth that sets us free from sin and death. I am thankful that Your Truth brings Peace and Freedom! I pray for all of us Lord that we will endeavor to know only You and Your Truth. Help us to remove the lies we have believed and give us courage, strength and perseverance to pursue You, and only You, at all times, at all costs so we will know without a doubt the Plumb Line of our faith, our True North and the Rock of our salvation! In your name I pray, amen!