RPM, Volume 11, Number 52, December 27 2009 to January 2 2010

Are You Two?




By Jim Williams



Editor's Note: We all have thoughts — some good - some bad, but nonetheless they are thoughts. Our thoughts should be reflected upon and dealt with biblically (Rom. 12:1-3; Gal. 6:3; Phil. 3:12-17; Phil. 4:8-9; 2 Pet. 3:1, etc.). ‘Just Thinkin Out Loud' (spelling of ‘thinkin'' is purposeful) is a series of thoughts that are being made public. You may or may not agree with all of the thoughts you read in this series, but it will help all of us to discuss them — out loud. The hope of the author and editors at IIIM is that this will assist all of us to begin personal reflection upon our own thoughts and compare them with God's perspective in Holy Scripture. Readers are encouraged to use small discussion groups and/or our RPM forum for any irenic discussion(s) of these specific thoughts and others they may bring about.
Deacon Brodie's Tavern sits near the west end of the "Royal Mile" in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is in an interesting location actually, just a block and a half west of where John Knox once held forth at St. Giles Cathedral and two blocks east from Edinburgh Castle. The chief resident of the castle was Mary Queen of Scots, whom Knox often preached against. Brodie's place is right in the middle, which seems appropriate, because he was a bit of both people. By day, Deacon Brodie was a cabinetmaker and a respected citizen, an upright person. He was even a town counselor, a position not unlike a city councilman today.

But by night, he was described as a drunkard, a robber, a ne'er do well. He was finally caught in the national treasury, but escaped. A letter written by him to a friend in Scotland was traced and he was caught, returned to Scotland, and hung on gallows he had himself built.

So the deacon had two lives going, and a lot of watching out for what he said to whom and when. He had to be careful for exact words to keep the customers from finding out what sort of "business" he was in to after hours. It all caught up to him anyway. The simple act of sending a letter home to Scotland from his hideout was his undoing. It's the simple stuff that catches you up when you lead two lives. There are too many bases to touch, too many words to watch for anybody to keep it up forever.

Lead one life and lead it straight and narrow. Anything else is just too much trouble.

Tell me what you think, I'm just thinkin out loud!



This article is provided as a ministry of Third Millennium Ministries (Thirdmill). If you have a question about this article, please email our Theological Editor.

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