It’s maddening really. It’s disturbing. It gives one the “I-have-to-always-be-looking-over-my-shoulder” feeling. In today’s vernacular we might say, “It’s creepy.” It’s frustrating. It’s a bit unnerving. What is “it?”
“It” is the idea that we are always being watched. Like the song Hall & Oates sang, “Private Eyes,” that said, “These private eyes are watching you/they see your every move.” Granted, that song was about someone who had a secret crush on a girl, but they can apply to Christ-followers as well. People are always watching us.
I’ve found it shaky when I would read what Paul said, “Imitate me as I imitate Christ.” That is one downright scary proposition. That means first, I must live in constant awareness of what and how I would live. But two, it means I would also live under the constant scrutiny of someone else. Someone would have their eyes on me…at all times! Like private eyes they would be watching every move I make.
I guess the best and only thing to say to that is that there is always someone watching and following me and, in some cases, taking their cues from me. How do I treat someone? Do I lash out? Do I criticize? Do I fudge the truth? Do I act then regret or not regret at all? Does Christ shine through my actions or do I embarrass Him? Lots of questions to ask.
“Father, may I be able to say as Paul did, “Follow me as I follow Christ. May the constant scrutiny of my life not unnerve me but energize me to live more consistently for You.”
Wow, Bill, our posts this morning are kind of similar. The thought of actually saying to someone, “Follow me as I follow Jesus.” is truly a scary proposition. For that means I need to be on top of our game in the I am less, He is more department. Always. I wish I could live up to it always…
I wish I could as well Diane. That is why living the Christian life is not for wimps. it takes a serious commitment.
It’s so easy to forget that others are watching us closely, especially when we profess to be Christians. May that thought guide our thoughts and our actions.
Blessings, Bill!
You are so right Martha. That idea is scary isn’t it?
That’s just crazy… to think that our lives, the way we live it, think it, do it, say it… would affect others.
But it does, yes it does!
Somebody please give me a heads up, Jesus is looking at me!!!
Hey ED! Jesus is looking at you!! 🙂