A Sharp Truth
Reading Between The Lines
I received a real cool present from my sister this Christmas. An adult colouring in book and a packet of decent coloured pencils. I feel guilty just typing 'adult book' because it sounds lurid - believe me, it's just a colouring book for tall children.
She hit the jack pot this year. I was immediately back at our red Formica kitchen table, nose mere inches from the page, tongue partially protruded, eyes screwed up in concentration and fingers clenched in determination to finish the picture to the best of my ability. Mum completed this memory - I could almost hear her banging pots, dropping things and singing as she cooked tea.
I discovered a truth while enjoying this Christmas gift. It's easier to stay within the lines if the pencil is sharp. Yeah, I know - deep, eh? I wish I'd known this a lot earlier.
I guess the spiritual analogy is pretty clear - staying sharp in our walk with God will keep us safe within His boundaries. I'm sure everyone can attest to wandering on to the verge of indiscretion or tripping over the 'out of bounds' kerb while enjoying the sunshine of this world. Sometimes it's the darkness which causes a headlong drop over the edge. Whatever the 'degree' of our straying, as believers it can always be linked back to quality of our fellowship with God.
When my father taught me to wallpaper he introduced the plumb line. This ingenious, inexpensive devise ensures wallpaper (especially striped) can be hung in a manner which enables dwellers to occupy the room without suffering migraines! For those who don't know, it's just a bit of string with a weight attached to one end. When hung, it falls straight allowing the user to pencil a line on the wall which then becomes a guide for the edge of the first roll. However, lazy hangers can still end up with crazy lines due to human judgement. The plumb line must be used often to maintain integrity.
Check out the following scriptures:
1. Amos 7:7-8 - God showed Amos a plumb line to warn of His judgement on Israel.
2. Isaiah 27:16-17 - God spoke to Isaiah about the coming Messiah. "See I lay in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation ....... I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line."
3. Hebrews 12:1-2 "....... let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our faith."
Each time I walk home via the soccer field next door, I align my eyes to the exit on the far side to ensure the quickest journey. Sometimes I get distracted - kids playing soccer or cricket, dogs and owners doing laps, guys flying kites etc. Even taking my eye off my goal for safety reason will put me off track and I have to keep reassessing my path. I always think of this as 'fixing my eyes."
God is good! He uses everyday things to remind us of who He is and what He expects from us. So, please be encouraged to keep sharp and focused. We are His witnesses.
This is a Fuse article from at least 10 years ago. Also, all pictures were completed and coloured within the lines!
Jo Warner