A plumbline is the weight with the string that is used to show the crookedness of a wall, door, widow well, etc. It reveals the distorted. It’s a tool to make the crooked things straight.
A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight. Proverbs 11:1
While building God’s house in our lives, we have some examples in His word of the way we can be on the straight and narrow path, revealing His Spirit in a clean way in our lives. While His commands and exhortations are clear, the way He works with each of us is different and doesn’t mean exactly the same thing for any two people.
Just a few of the ways the Bible demonstrates keeping things in line:
Straighten the crooked (Isaiah 40:4)
Correct (Proverbs 9:8)
Choose wisely (Joshua 24:15)
Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)
Bind up the broken hearted (Isaiah 61:1)
Win souls (Proverbs 11:30)
Be wise (Matthew 7:24)
Seek wisdom (Proverbs 2:4)
Forgive offenses (Mark 11:26)
Good over evil (Romans 12:21)
Quench not the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19)
Be born again (John 3:3)
Follow Jesus (Matthew 20:34)
Take up your cross daily (Luke 9:23)
Die to self (1 Corinthians 15:31)
Death to flesh (Romans 8:13)
Love not the world (1 John 2:15)
Love not your life unto death (Revelation 12:11)
Speak in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
sing and make melody in your heart to the lord (Ephesians 5:19)
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse (Malachi 3:10)
Take the log out of your eye (Matthew 7:5)
Reconcile with your brother (Matthew 5:24)
Have faith (Mark 11:22)
Recompense good for evil (1 Peter 3:9)
Love your enemy (Matthew 5:44)
Feed your enemy (Romans 12:20)
Operate in love (1 Corinthians 13)
How can you be a plumbline you ask? Well, you probably already do things that you don’t even realize to help the crooked be straight. Maybe you shut down a gossiper by not spreading the rumor or saying something to try to stop it, maybe you encourage someone who is suffering, maybe you are kind to someone who doesn’t deserve it, maybe you forgave a terrible offense. This list is infinite. Be in tune with God the best you can by seeking Him and learning His word. It will soon become natural to you. There is always plenty of work in this regard.
Powerful word – Awesome stuff! Praise God!
I appreciate you reading my posts. I am glad they are meaningful to you. This one was interesting to write. I always think of myself as a plumbline, but really, we all are in a way.