COLOURS OF LIFE
Today we take a break from our series that highlight Jesus in the books of the Bible to do some personal reflection and to pause and ponder on the issue of integrity.
Every now and then you hear a sermon that stays with you. Today I am sharing one of such sermons. It bore the title “Who are you when no one is watching you?” It is one of those discourses a listener is not likely to forget, at least I have not, since I heard it some 20 years ago. “Who are you when no one is watching you?” I think this is a question we should all ask ourselves from time to time. Who are you when you are overpaid at the bank? Who are you when your boss is not around? Who are you when you holidaying alone in some remote location where you are not likely to be known? Who are you when you are stuck in traffic and are tempted to drive on the lane meant for oncoming vehicles? Who are you when you face danger or death? Who are you when no one is watching you?
Our sincere answer to this question will bring us face to face with whom we really are. If we are different people in private and public (where integrity is concerned), then we are living as hypocrites, men pleasers or frauds. Being less concerned about what people think and more concerned about doing what is right, makes it easier for us to be the same person, when we are alone or when we are in the company of others. It also saves us the unnecessary stress that comes with living a double life.
The speaker posed a pertinent question: “Is no one watching?” Sometimes, unknown to us, people are watching.
It may be someone we know, it may be someone we do not know and will never get to know. It could be a child, looking for an example to follow. Or a vulnerable teenager tottering on the brink of a decision. Those we actually want to hide from may be the ones watching. Let us even assume no one is watching. But is no one watching?
“the eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3)
From this scripture, it is clear that we are never really alone. At all times, in every place, God is watching. Hopefully this realization makes some of us desire to do the right thing. But then how do we know what is right? From scripture we know that the laws of life are engraved in our hearts and we are guided into truth by our conscience. Yet, for some, the truth does not come so easily. Surely we cannot do what is right if we do not know the truth to base our standards upon. For some of us the truth is a philosophy, for others the truth is subjective and comparative. While some believe truth is what you want it to be, still others believe there is no absolute truth. I think the first step towards integrity is knowing the truth.
Jesus Christ said in John 14:6 “… I am … the truth”. This truth is revealed to us through His word, the Bible. Therein lies guidlines for life and living. There, we can find the parameters for measuring truth and therefore be able to determine what integrity is. Knowing the truth is good yet if we cannot apply it, integrity remains an illusion to us. When we enter into a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, the Spirit of God in us, gives us the enablement to live above sin. A genuine conversion to God should, in turn, produce true and consistent character in private and public.
Who are you when no one is watching you? Or maybe we should ask who are you when you think no one is watching you? Remember the person you are in such a situation is the person you really are. Remember also, people may be watching, but above all, God is watching, and that is what really matters!
COLOURS OF LIFE SHOW
For inspiring stories and testimonies, follow our Colours of Life show. This show is available on you tube at Colours of Life TV. We also air on DOVE (DSTV channel 349), Saturdays at 3pm. Amongst the conversations on the show are an interview with 86-year old Dr David Carling, OBE, a medical missionary who spent almost 2 decades in Nigeria, and the incredible work he did amongst lepers in the north in the 1950s. We also hear the amazing testimony of how Pastor Becky Unoarumhi was healed of terminal cancer and blessed with 3 children. There is also the interview with Dr Gary Maxey on The Seduction of the Nigerian Church.
COLOURS OF LIFE DEVOTIONAL
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