The Plumb Line

A plumb line is a tool consisting of a piece of string with a weight attached at the bottom used by builders, artists, and decorators to achieve a straight vertical line. This tool becomes important because we can’t always trust our own judgment, often things look straight when in reality they aren’t.

Everyone uses a plumb line for their life whether they realize it or not. People compare their success based upon the plumb line they use. The neighbors have a better car or house than us, therefore the neighbors become your plumb line. People who are more popular than me are successful, there’s your plumb line. People who are richer than me are successful, there’s your plumb line.

It’s important what plumb line you use. Using the wrong plumb line makes for a crooked life, and a discontented one.

In the book of Zechariah we read about the rebuilding of the Hebrew temple. The people of Israel were complaining because the temple wasn’t going to be as grand as the previous one (their plumb line), but God had other plans. He wanted a smaller temple this time, and more importantly he wanted the repentant hearts of his people. He chose as the master builder a man named Zerubbabel, who was more concerned with aligning the project with what God wanted than the opinions of others. He knew when all was said and done God’s plumb line was the only one that mattered.

What or who is your plumb line?

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

PT/LT