A life without secrets.

And another thing!

Revelation 21:10, 22—22:5 describes the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, Heaven itself, as a place where there aren’t lamps or sun because God is the light of the world. There will be no night and no darkness there “for its lamp is the Lamb.”

One of the passages that rumbles through my head a lot lately is that line where Jesus tells the disciples that, “nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light” (Luke 8:17). Like many things, this can be either a threat or a promise. It’s hard to keep a secret in Lexington County or in the church. It can also be a joy to know that what we go through isn’t unseen or unknown.

It can be annoying. When I was a seminary intern, I made sure that my neighbors knew whose cars were in my driveway, especially if people were visiting overnight. I didn’t have the chance to get into trouble because I knew that people were watching. They weren’t being mean or overbearing, but they were paying attention.

In some ways, living with no secrets is preparation for living in the heavenly city. God is going to shine light on every angle we’ve got. It’ll all be out there: The times when things looked bad, but we meant well. The times where we just couldn’t keep the promises we made. The times when everything went right and no one was watching. They’re all going to be known. God fully knows us now and loves us anyway. Then, we will fully know each other and fully love each other, too.

There are stories in the corners of my life that aren’t mine to tell. There are situations where justice has not been done, and places where I am powerless to help. It brings me joy to know that God sees where the rest of the world doesn’t. God acts when no one else can. And, while God’s timeline might be different from what I’d choose, I can be confident that God is doing more than I can see and know in my place and time.

May we all live so that God’s light is a promise. May our world be a place where no secrets can be hidden forever. May we open ourselves to repentance and joy. May we trust in the God who sees all, knows all, and loves beyond measure.