Today I heard something that made me think about a plumb line. I am not a construction person but I know that those that are use plumb lines to make sure things are straight. They measure their work against the perfect line.
God has given me an ability to see when objects or pictures, etc. are askew. It is actually quite comical at times. I can see things that aren’t straight by a tiny margin. Things that aren’t straight practically glow-in-the-dark for me. Over the years I have had many conversations like this with a few people:
“Yes, it is straight.”
“No, it’s not.”
“Yes, it’s too high on the left.”
“No, I think it is level.”
“Please go get the level.”
“Ugh. Okay” [eye roll] …. “You were right. How’s this?”
As time has passed, Jody doesn’t question it anymore. He’s gotten the level out too many times. Other people still question my judgment, but he usually warns them first.
But, I have to be honest and admit that, in my life, I’m not as good at seeing things that are askew. We have been given the perfect plumb line in Jesus. He is who I should be measuring my life against. It is so easy to get just a fraction off the mark without realizing it. If I don’t make corrections right away, I can slip even further off that new mark. One day, I realize that I am twice as far away from the perfect example Jesus has given me on how to live my life.
So, today I am challenging you to join me in examining where you are against the perfect plumb line of Jesus. Don’t compare yourself to someone on television, or a friend, or even someone at church. Compare yourself to Jesus. During your evaluation, if you, like me, realize that you have moved away from the mark, pray and admit it and ask Jesus to help you get back to aiming for the true and perfect plumb line. Ask him to help you see the mark in a glow-in-the-dark or bold sort of way, so that you can clearly recognize it when you slip away from the mark.
Lord, guide my steps. I want to live in a way that is pleasing to you. Show me when I have stepped away from you, even the slightest bit, and nudge me back towards the plumb line.
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Jody continues to work hard every day. He has adjusted to his new normal by now and most of his lingering issues are not readily apparent if you just spend a few minutes with him. We choose to not dwell on those but instead are just grateful for the bonus days. We are knee-deep in ministry of all types, and we feel so very blessed to be able to serve the Lord together in a variety of ways.