In all things showing yourself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing soundness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. (Titus 2:7-8)
In everything we do, someone is always watching. I chuckle at those who complain about security cameras and traffic cameras! Hello??? If you aren't breaking the law, what's the problem??? Could it be that you are one of those consistent speeders, loafers on the job or shoplifters and that now you're crimes will be caught on tape and you may have to pay a fine, lose your driving privileges or even worse - spend a few nights in jail?
We are always under the watchful eye of someone whether we want to believe it or not. Everything we do is observed by someone. You can hide your sins from others, but you cannot hide them from God. He sees them all, from the smallest white lie, to the blasphemous utterings that come from your mouth! Yes, I am guilty! Yes, I am forgiven! But what I was will always follow me in this life. I will never be seen in some eyes as anything other than selfish, angry, crazy and destructive. That's okay, though - I'm not trying to impress them anymore. I walk a line that is sound and sincere, my actions are no longer called into question, simply because I avoid doing anything that will give someone something to talk about. I follow the rules today. I don't always like them, but I follow them just the same.
Every Christian is given general rules to live by. Seasoned adults should be sober (showing no excessive or extreme qualities of fancy, emotion, or prejudice); not thinking that the "decays of nature" will justify any excess... Faith works by, and must be seen in love, of God for himself, and of men for God's sake. Older adults can be easily irritated and constantly worry about some things. They need to be on their guard. Young women must be sober (again, showing no excessive or extreme qualities of fancy, emotion, or prejudice) and discreet; for many expose themselves to fatal temptations by what at first might be only want of discretion. The reason is added, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. Failures to follow the path brings a discrediting mark to Christianity. Young men might often be eager and thoughtless, therefore must be serious and firm in their beliefs: there are more young people ruined by pride than by any other sin.
The example we set is the scale by which the world judges us. What we do, what others see us do, how we live our lives: it's all called into question by someone. We have become the models for our children and we in turn try to tell them they should know better. How can they when all they've ever seen are the "secret sins" we hide in the closet? The "do as I say, not as I do" pretense doesn't carry any weight worth vocalizing. The game of life is follow the leader, doing what those before us have done. If you truly want to play that game, and play it well, pick a leader who has led and exemplary life ~ chose to follow someone whose character is above reproach ~ choose to walk with Christ! Follow THAT leader and win!!! (reprint from 11/16/2010)
