January 21, 2010 by Bette Nordberg
I’ve avoided blogging lately. Most of you know that I have two blog sites, this one, attached to my new website, is new to me. And like most new things, it’s a little intimidating trying to get used to the format and blog tools. I promise to overcome the difficulty.
As for news. The newest book is out; you can find it on store shelves, or buy it at your favorite on-line bookseller. I’ve heard from several that it’s their favorite story yet. Amazing! You know, as a story-parent, you aren’t supposed to have favorites. But I do. And what pleases my readers always surprises me. Apparently this one is a hit. Thanks for the feedback!
If you haven’t read it yet, you can read the early reviews for GENOA BAY at:
www.amazon.com
As 2009 was ending, I decided to hang out in the New Testament for a while. My love for the OT is deep, and sometimes, I think I get caught in the heady consideration of all things OT. I wonder, does that keep me from living the simple, holy life to which I’ve been called? The NT is full of clear, no-question instructions about living the Jesus-life. Am I avoiding that life by living in my head?
Here is one of the things that struck me. I Timothy 5: 24
“Remember that some people lead sinful lives, and everyone knows they will be judged. Buy there are others whose sin will not be revealed until later. In the same way, everyone knows how much good some people do, but there are others whose good deeds won’t be known until later.”
I think this passage is the exact antithesis of the old adage, “what you see is what you get.” Folks have been faking it for years. As a population, we’re especially good at faking it. Brow lifts, laser resurfacing, breast implants, liposuction — you name it, we’ve done it. We focus on the outside. After all that’s what you see, right?
In some ways Christians are tempted to do the same thing. We focus on looking good. Speaking the language (or in my case, NOT speaking the language). Walking the walk. Talking the talk. Wearing the goods.
We’re not so good at letting the truth get in below the skin.
But the word reminds us that there will come a time when all things will be revealed. For some of us, the genuine, holy, pure life we’ve lived in private will be revealed for all to see. For others of us, all our falsehood will be exposed.
I don’t know about you, but that frightens me. There are things I’d rather you didn’t know. Ways I’ve failed. Ways I struggle. And this scripture makes me think twice about letting these things take root. Some day, it will be there for all to see.
And the opposite is also true. The good deeds done in secret are not lost.
And that, friends, is worth serious consideration.
Bette
Posts
