The Seven Markers of God's Plumb Line

I enjoyed a stimulating conversation with my friend Julio Casablanca regarding God's plumb line. One thought is worth sharing: until we know God's plumb line, we use what we already believe as the measure of what is right and wrong. Another friend described this practice as "measuring with a crooked stick."

Judging truth by what we already believe is so common a practice that it has an official name: confirmation bias. Confirmation bias means that we unconsciously filter what we hear in light of what we believe. We accept that which agrees with what we already believe, i.e., confirms it, while at the same time we reject anything that challenges our belief. This practice leaves our beliefs intact and undisturbed. It also blocks the possibility of greater understanding that leads to personal growth. (See again What Do You Think, September 23, 2019.)

Confirmation bias is a contributing factor to every conflict over moral and theological issues. It means both sides are talking past one another, not hearing what the other is saying.

God's plumb line provides us a healthy alternative in determining truth. Seven markers comprise God's plumb line:

• #1, the character of God as revealed to Moses and in Jesus: the compassionate and gracious God who is slow to anger, abounds in faithful love, and forgives freely (Exodus 34:6-7). This marker is foundational. Everything else flows out of it. 
• #2, the life, ministry, and teachings of Jesus who is the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15), the one in whom the fullness of God was pleased to dwell (Colossians 1:19). Jesus is the exact imprint of God's glory (Hebrews 1:3). He has made God known (John 1:14, 18).  In other words, if you want to know what God is like, look at Jesus.
• #3, grace and forgiveness. Jesus related out of grace and forgiveness rather than the merit-based, transactional relating (if ... then) that is a part of our human condition. 
• #4, the ways of God that Jesus taught, i.e., the Kingdom of God in which every person is a beloved child of God, relationships are based on grace and forgiveness, and power is used to serve.
• #5, the transformation of heart and mind (spiritual formation, spiritual growth).
• #6, a diverse, God-centered and God-shaped community that embodies the ways of God, i.e., the church as a spiritual community. 
• #7, loving as Jesus loved, i.e., serving others in the name of Jesus.

That which aligns with these seven markers is divine truth. It aligns with who God is and with God's ways.