Published: April 18, 2008 04:30 pm            

Behaving when no one is looking

By Sam Smith

“From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind.” [Psalm 33:13]



“The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.”

[Proverbs 15:3]



Television. Sometimes I wonder why I even have one. The other night I saw a preview for one of the news shows on a major network about racist remarks people say when they think no one is listening. They rigged a taxicab with cameras and recording equipment and hired an actor to drive the cab. The actor would initiate a conversation about various ethnic groups and record what the passengers would say. I didn’t watch the program, but I have heard some people that did see it say there were some pretty outrageous things said. I’m glad I missed it.

It did give me an idea for this column, though. I wonder how we would act if we thought someone was watching everything we do and say. If we all knew there was a camera and a sound recorder on all at all times, how much different do you suppose we would act?

For me, I would have to do a lot of shaping up. I can behave like the dickens at times. The other day I experienced a series of minor injuries to myself [you know – one of those “Three Stooges Kind Of Days”]. I admit that I muttered a word that I thought I had forgotten, or at least I would never say again. I repented and felt bad about it, but I said it. Now, if I had known anyone was watching or listening, I would not have said it [I hope].

I think about my countenance. Years ago I felt very inspired to improve my countenance as a Christian and to encourage others to do the same. I used the quote, “If you are saved, notify your face.” As Christians, we need to be aware of how we present ourselves to others. A born again Christian should not go around looking like he is sucking on a lemon. It is not good for our witness. But I know there are times that my family must think I am the biggest grump in the world. I don’t want to appear that way to them, and I surely don’t want to look that way to others. If I thought there was a camera on me, I would make more of an effort to let my face display how blessed I am by Almighty God. Wouldn’t you?

The truth is, someone is watching us all the time. We know God sees all we do and hears all we say. The Bible tells us the angels are watching over us at all times. We know the Holy Spirit is with us and in us. Are we giving any thought to their view of what we do and say? Why do we try so hard to act as good as possible around most people, but forget to consider how we look to the Lord? How we appear to other people is important, but pales in comparison to the importance of how our Heavenly Father sees us. That seems like it would not even need saying, but I know how we act when we think no one is watching. Well, Someone always sees.

So, here’s another of my hair-brained ideas. Let’s start pretending that we are on camera all the time – yes – ALL the time, and let us see how many things we routinely do that we would do differently if someone were watching. For instance, how would you act if you stubbed your toe in the middle of the night? Think about it. Now, how would you act if someone were watching? How would you respond if someone made you really angry but could not see your reaction? How would you act if you knew you were being watched? Here’s a good one. How do you act when your dog won’t stop barking in the middle of the night? How would you act if someone were watching you? [I have a lot of work to do].

We could list examples all day, but the point is made. We can actually be better, more peaceful folks if we will control our emotions and behaviors as though someone was watching us. We may need to pretend for a while, but for many of us any change will be an improvement. We want to be more pleasing to God. Can’t we at least try to behave as well for Him as we do for others – even strangers? Give it a try. Pretend you are on Candid Camera. Truth is, in a way you are.



“From His dwelling place, He watches all who live on earth.” [Psalm 33:14] Amen.



Contact Dr. Sam Smith, Butterfly Ministries, at ssmithkate@aol.com.

        

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