by Janet Lohmeyer

Created on: April 24, 2008

The Good Life
I lived each day my whole life through
The way my church had told me to.
I followed every rule they gave
Convinced that what they said would save
My soul. I shunned each sin they banned,
Gave worldly wealth with open hand.
Clothed the naked, nursed the ill,
Fed the hungry, warmed the chill,
Joined in public proclamation
Of my sect's indoctrination.

So when before the throne I stood
Expecting praise for all my good
Deeds, I was horrified to see
Almighty God displeased with me.
His blazing eyes, His grieving voice
Convicted me of my life's choice:
'In all your life you never tried
To learn what you believe, or why.'

Understanding came to me
With blinding, damning clarity-
What I'd assumed was solid sod,
The everlasting word of God
Turned out to be but shifting sand
Turned out to be the word of man.

Learn more about this author, Janet Lohmeyer.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.