Devotion: Power & Plumb Lines
Please take a moment to read Romans 12.
When you read those two topics you think, what could they possibly have in common? My thoughts exactly when I got this assignment. It helps to listen to Pastor Greg’s sermon and read the Bible verses, but I will try to connect the dots and make sense of this.
I do not know the first thing about construction. I can build sentences, sew garments, and hang wallpaper. But I do know if you are going to build something, there are rules. The walls need to be straight. Ancient Egyptians used plumb lines to build the Pyramids, so yeah, they are pretty useful if you don’t want them to crumble in time. The minor prophet, Amos, is known for being the ‘Plumb Line prophet’ as he warned Israel to use it to measure their faithfulness to God’s Law. How do we use a plumb line in our daily lives? The simple answer is “read the Bible”! Don’t just read it, live it. That is so much easier said, than done. Our scripture today is pretty clear, though. My favorite verse is 9; “ Don’t pretend that you love others; I really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. ”And the best part, love and kindness cost nothing.
Now comes the power in using that plumb line to guide us. Doing all the things in this chapter of Romans will give you power. Not the kind that controls others, but the power of love. I sat at the Annual Meeting on Sunday afternoon and felt the power of our humble group of members as we were changing the world for the better. So much giving, sharing, using our time, talent and treasure for good. It is what Paul was talking about in his letter from him to the Romans. We elected new council members to lead, listen and care about the future of Sheridan. We passed a budget to change the lives of so many by our generosity. Pastor Greg shared the vision of our future with the building of an Outreach Center and its uses. So much power to do what God is telling us to accomplish.
Dear God, thank you for all the gifts you have given us. Let us use those gifts for good to fight evil. Whatever your plan, to you be the glory. Amen
Written by Cindy Swanson
Cindy and her husband, Ray, have been members of Sheridan Lutheran Church since 1978. They have three sons, Ben, Andrew and Patrick who were confirmed at Sheridan. They enjoy spending time with their grandchildren who range in age from 4-10. Cindy retired from teaching writing to middle schoolers for Lincoln Public Schools in 2014. She savors a good cup of coffee, a well-written book, a lively discussion and chocolate. She lives near a cemetery and knows each day is a gift!