Private Lives

Jeannette and I studied the book of I Timothy with friends on Wednesday nights recently. In doing so, I read I Timothy 5:24-25: "Remember that some people lead sinful lives, and everyone knows they will be judged. But 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" (NLT).

I was just reminded that we all are flawed. The sins of some are public, high profile, scandalous. The rest of us are sinners but are fortunate that our sins haven't come to light or are "socially acceptable." (I've often prayed that I'll never bring disgrace to God's name, knowing how very imperfect I am.) We need to pause before passing judgement on others, remembering that "there but for the grace of God go I."

I'm also reminded that we see the good that many people do, serving in the church and community, but there are others who live out their faith in quiet ways, driving a senior citizen to the store or babysitting for a single mom. I hope I can be someone whose good deeds are substantive and whose motives are pure, seeking to please God and not people.