The Plumb line of God

A plumb line (or a plummet as it is sometimes called) is a weight hanging by a cord. Gravity ensures that the weight hangs perfectly straight, allowing a builder to ensure that a structure is vertically aligned. Today’s equivalent is the modern level, and it is found in every toolbox or home-improvement kit. The level is used when aligning wallpaper, building retaining walls, or hanging pictures. The level ensures that the construction, art project, or decorating is correct, or “true to plumb.”

Now scripture also speaks of plumb lines. God establishes a plumb line against, which Israel is to be measured. The plumb line of God is then the STANDARD that He sets. Today, the Lord is using this analogy of a plumb line to speak to us about the standard He is setting for us and for the church. It is His standard- not mine, yours or the world’s standard. His standard is different and His standard needs to be adhered to.

Where Is a Plumb Line Seen in the Bible?

We see this in only a few Old Testament passages. Amos, one of the minor prophets, was also known as the ‘plumb line prophet’. He receives a vision of “the Lord standing by a wall that had been built true to plumb, with a plumb line in his hand.” The Lord explains to Amos that “I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel; I will spare them no longer” (Amos7:7-8).  He was letting Israel know that he was about to set a plumb line amid the people of Israel. He would measure them against the straightness of that plumb line and, when they did not measure up, would spare them from punishment no longer.

But what exactly was the plumb line God was referring to? And how does that plumb line apply to Christians today? As Amos describes it, God stood next to a wall — one which had been built absolutely true to plumb. That wall was nothing other than the Law — the perfect Law that God had given to Israel through Moses. It was the Law that defined Israel as a nation — the Law that Israel had been built upon. The very Law that served as the foundation of who Israel was. That Law represented the upright and perfect standard of the very righteousness of God. According to this passage, God is reapplying the plumb line of the Law to display to Amos how far Israel had fallen away from his perfect standard. And how he, God, would “spare them no longer.” In other words, his patience with Israel was gone and he would bring the judgment upon them that their sin demanded. While Amos perhaps offers the strongest plumb line reference, there are other Old Testament verses that use the same analogy.

In 2 Kings (21:13), it says, “I will stretch out over Jerusalem the measuring line used against Samaria and the plumb line used against the house of Ahab”.

And even the prophet Isaiah says: “I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line; hail will sweep away your refuge, the lie, and water will overflow your hiding place” (Isaiah 28:17).

God will stretch out over Edom the measuring line of chaos and the plumb line of desolation. (Isaiah 34:11)

The plumb line then is the image — the parable — of God’s holy and righteous standard for Israel. It served as a measuring line representing Israel’s failure- Israel failed to adhere to the standard and there were consequences- it served as measuring how far they had fallen from God’s guiding principles. The plumb line is the image of God’s righteous and holy standard that Israel failed to embody in their lives. The plumb line physically represented Israel’s waywardness. Due to Israel’s failure to live “true to plumb” God brings about the necessary consequences of Israel’s sinful behavior.

Furthermore, the phrase plumb line is found in Scripture within multiple contexts. The Lord portrays Himself as a builder in Isaiah 28: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation” (Isaiah 28:16). This is an assurance of the unmovable kingdom, with Christ as the foundation. Jesus Christ is the “precious cornerstone” (see Mark 12:10; Romans 9:33; 1 Peter 2:6).

As the Lord builds His kingdom, He will ensure it is perfect in every way: “I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line” (Isaiah 28:17). There is no crookedness or corruption in the Kingdom of Heaven.

As a plumb line is not dependent on the thoughts or the convenience of the tradesman, so is God’s moral law not subject to the beliefs of man. Wise men accommodate their lives to God's "plumb line" like diligent workers who modify their work according to true vertical and horizontal. The plumb line is the image of God’s righteous and holy standard that Israel failed to embody in their lives. The plumb line physically represented Israel’s waywardness. Due to Israel’s failure to live “true to plumb” God brings about the necessary consequences of Israel’s sinful behavior.

Today, Christians know that we are not bound by law, but rather are saved by grace. As Paul says in his letter to the Ephesians: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). And to the Romans: For we maintain that a man is justified by faith, apart from works of the law (Romans 3:28). In light of this, where does the plumbline of the law fit into our lives today?

A Straight Line

Simply because the plumb line is an Old Testament representation of what God considers true and correct, does not mean it is to be discarded and ignored. Even today, the plumb line of God’s law serves as a guideline for those saved by grace through faith. Jesus quite specifically taught that he had not come to abolish the Law, but rather to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). Dr. Bill Creasy of the Logos Bible Study often referred to the Law as “the straight line by which we measure our crookedness.”

We can see the standard of God’s law and recognize how we miss the mark. And in case we needed more evidence, in his sermon on the mount, Jesus raised the standard even higher (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28). For example, it is not only the acts of murder and adultery, but merely having such thoughts in my heart and mind. Jesus made the Lord’s expectations clear (see Matthew 7:24-27). Indeed, we are to take the teachings of Christ Jesus to heart and act upon them, in faith and obedience. We are to use his words as our own plumb line. There can be no better foundation on which to build our lives.

Why Does This Matter?

Just as the Law of Moses served as a plumb line for Israel, so should the teachings of Christ serve as ours. We are called to be the images of God on earth; for our lives to reflect his love and grace to others, as he has done to us. Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40).

Each day then, we ought to ask ourselves — do I? Do I truly love the Lord my God with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my mind and all my strength (Luke 10:27)? Do I truly love my neighbor as myself?

Are we living out the teachings of the Bible in our lives?

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:35).

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you (Matthew 6:14).

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians: 4:32).

Do our lives exhibit the fruits of the Spirit? Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? (Galatians 5:22-23). Or are we stressed, burnt out, worried and anxious? If this is the case, then something is wrong. Indeed, the teachings of Christ Jesus and the Word of God are to be the plumb line for our lives. But these must be more than simply words on a page. They are to be more than simply what we say we believe. We must use those words to direct and guide our life of the faith we proclaim, and as our source of guidance and encouragement.  Then — to paraphrase James — when we use the Bible as the plumb line of our lives; when we apply it in our daily lives; when people look at us and see the reflection of Christ in our lives. Then, we will be blessed in all we do.

The image of a plumb line is still applicable for us as we navigate our lives of faith. Understanding God’s plumb line also helps us live deeper and fuller Christian lives.

The Presence of a Standard

At its core, a plumb line is a standard against which other things are measured. Importantly, we do not create this standard. We do not make up the criteria by which things are measured. The plumb line is established by a greater force. It is the force of gravity that declares what is in plumb and what is not. The job of the builder is to base his or her project upon that unmovable standard.

When we think about our lives of faith, it can be easy to believe that a plumb line is somehow limiting or destructive. We see the presence of a standard against which “we are measured” as fundamentally condemning. Does God look at us with a critical eye, measuring out all our imperfections? Sadly, many people have this vision of God.

What if, however, the presence of a plumb line is meant, not for condemnation, but encouragement? What if, instead of declaring the ways we “get it wrong”, a plumb line declares God’s vision for our lives? After all, we will always be out of plumb in some way. That is a fundamental part of human nature. We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The truth is, if there were no standard to which God’s people were measured, we could easily conclude that God is uninterested in our lives. This would leave us in chaos not freedom.

The presence of a plumb line means that God has a desire for us. God desires that we live our lives immersed in divine love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. To immerse ourselves in this reality, however, we must recognize where we step out of the flow of God’s divine love.

What gets in the way of our spiritual life?

What blocks us from experiencing the Holy Spirit? These questions can only be answered if there is a defining source to which we may go— a source of guidance and answer, a standard against which we can measure our lives.  A plumb line is not about exposing our faults or wretchedness. Noticing where we have stepped awry of God’s way of love ultimately serves our repentance. It shows the way back and becomes a tool for our spiritual intimacy with God. The epistle of John declares “if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

It is because God is faithful, loving, and just that we can be confident in placing our lives before God’s holy standard.

A Reference to Build Upon

Knowledge of a plumb line provides little help if a builder does not act upon it. A plumb line is to be referenced and built upon. Any builder, decorator, or hanger of pictures, who does not reference the vertical level puts an entire project at risk. When it comes to constructing a house, you do not want a builder who ignores the vertical plumb.

In the same way, we should not ignore God’s directions when it comes to establishing our spiritual lives. God’s standards of holiness, righteousness, justice, and love are to be practiced in our lives. These things aren’t just to be contemplated; we are to build our lives upon them in surrender.

As Jesus lived, so too ought we. Jesus speaks about this in the closing section of his Sermon on the Mount. After teaching the inner nuances of discipleship, Jesus ends his discourse by appealing to wise and foolish builders. Jesus says, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash” (Matthew 7:24-27).

Jesus ends the Sermon on the Mount by speaking about the importance of heeding his words. Christ’s teachings are not simply quaint tales of morality. Nor are they delightful stories to tickle the ears. Christ’s words are to be incorporated into our lives. We build up our spiritual lives when we act upon Christ’s words in faith and obedience.

God’s plumb line helps us remain spiritually healthy. Our spiritual livelihood needs a reference point that is stalwart and stable. Otherwise, we run the risk of erecting a spiritual life without a foundation. This leaves us clamoring about, attempting to find what works but never knowing where to begin.

What happens when there is a lack of a standard?

While we might think we a progressing, like the foolish builder who builds a house on sand, our spiritual lives easily come crashing down. Jesus clearly calls us to build our lives upon the foundation of his presence. In doing so, we are assured that our spiritual life is solid and secure.

The Lord is saying that we need to rethink and rebuild our foundations. If it is not strong, it will fall in the end. For example our ministries or our marriages will not be sustainable and have longevity. If there’s no standard, we will be in chaos, in sin, our lives will lack joy and peace and we will be constantly anxious and stressed. If you don’t set your standards concerning your job and workplace (boundaries) and undertake more than you need to, get too personal with your colleagues and their problems, don’t know how to cut off from work when it’s time- pretty much lacking professionalism and boundaries, it will rob your time and energy. You will be constantly stressed because the standard wasn’t set nor adhered to.

What Is Our Plumb line?

The Bible is the plumb line for the Christian life. If we find that we have erred or strayed, scripture declares the actions to be taken to rediscover God’s loving delight. Famously the psalmist sings out “Your word, O lord, is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (119:105). Scripture directs the life of faith. It is a source of constant reference and encouragement.  

We need a plumb line (standards) in every area of our lives to align to- and God should be that standard.

1. Personal life: Put God first; give him your time first; set the standard concerning your prayer life and your lifestyle.

2. Marriage: Set the standard that your spouse should come first. Nurture the marriage through communication and time spent together. The Word of God tells us that His children are not to yoke themselves together with unbelievers. Samson did, and that marriage ruined his life. It is the standard of God’s Word that marriage is for life. Many people today have divorced their first spouse, and while that individual is still living, have married another. The law permits it, but that is not according to the standard of the Word of God. Marrying another person while the first companion is still living is adultery; God’s standard is “till death do us part.” Marriage entails responsibility for both spouses (see Proverbs 31 and Eph 5).  The idea of submission is not popular in today’s world. In Ephesians we read, “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord” (Ephesians 5:22). It will not be hard for a wife to submit to a husband who loves her as Christ loves the Church.

3. Parenthood: Biblical parenting- do not spare the rod- discipline with love- raise the child in the way he should go- teach the things of God- set the standard- who’s the parent and who’s the child. Avoid the roles getting out of control – where the children are parenting their parents. -

4. Job/Career: Maintain professionalism and cut off on time. You are not there to make friends and develop a social life, don’t get personal and don’t be a workaholic.

5. Finances: Steward well according to what the bible says- don’t just give the bare minimal- go above and beyond- set the standard high- same goes with our time and energy for the work of the kingdom

6. Friendships/Relationships: If you’re dealing with a toxic person, there’s three things you have to do:

• Forgive them. Otherwise you will not be able to move forward because God can’t forgive you if you don’t forgive others.

• Put up boundaries. These are not contingent on them but on you- it’s saying if you do this, then this will be my response.

• You need to flee from them. You should not be in close relationship with them- do not reproof a scoffer or he will hate you (Proverbs 9:8)- bad company ruins good morals (1 Cor 15:33)- guard your heart as from it flows rivers of living waters (Proverbs 4:23). When dealing with toxic people- sometimes it’s better to pray for them from a distance.

7. Dressing: Be modest and in all holiness, dress well. God has a standard for how we dress and adorn ourselves. In 1 Timothy 2:9, Paul taught that women are to “adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety.” He wrote to the Philippians, “Let your moderation be known unto all men” (Philippians 4:5), and to the Corinthians that they were living epistles “known and read of all men” (2 Corinthians 3:2). How we dress and adorn ourselves is a matter of the heart; what is in the heart will be what comes out. The world has its own standard, but in Romans 12:2 we are warned not to conform to it.

8. Speech & Conduct: Cut off or remove yourself from all gossip or slander.

9. Restitution: We are taught in the Word of God about restitution: the necessity of making right the wrongs of our past. That principle is reiterated in the New Testament. After Zacchaeus met the Lord, he pledged to restore fourfold what he had taken wrongfully. Paul the Apostle said, “Herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men” (Acts 24:16). When we become God’s children, God expects us to straighten out our past. That is part of God’s plumb line. If you lied to someone, if you obtained something wrongfully, if you have false papers, God is saying there is a standard you must meet. You must make it right. If you slandered someone or deceived someone, that must be dealt with according to God’s plumb line. The Spirit of God is telling you, “No, I will not permit you to go forward as if that never happened. You need to make that matter right.” The devil will tell you, “Making restitution will be so embarrassing! What will that person think of you?” Leave that to the Lord; He will take care of it. You need to do what is right. God has a standard that you must meet.

10. Lifestyle: Be mindful of where you go, what you watch or read, and what activities you participate in. In these areas and in so many others, the standard of the Word of God is a plumb line that is upon the wall of your life and mine today. The prayer of my heart is that we will let God’s Word search us and show us if that wall has shifted a little, or become a bit off kilter. Is there an area where we need to realign to God’s Word? Let us ask Him to help us make the necessary alterations so that when He puts up that plumb line again, everything in our lives will be straight and true. As we practice scriptural standards our lives become transformed; we reflect the glory and the presence of our risen Lord. Without a plumb line to declare what this looks like, and how this comes about, our spiritual lives are lost. Scripture helps us live true to plumb by uncovering, and inviting us into, God’s loving delight for our lives.

Prayer

Father, search my heart and show me where I have lost sight of Your standards in thought, word or deed. I repent of these things and ask that You help me re-align my life to Your ways. Rebuild my foundations that I may be strengthened in You to love, live, think and learn according to Your will. Help me to correctly prioritize my spiritual life and set healthy boundaries. Revive me in Your presence. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen