Someone Is Always Watching

Have you ever noticed you’re always being watched? Not just by God but by other students, teachers, friends, or colleagues? By people who know you are Christian and are waiting for you to do something not so Christian? I think many of us have felt the piercing eyes. This sounds terrifying but I’m here to tell you this can be a great thing. Let’s take a moment and turn this around.

We know that people are watching so we know that our lifestyle is making a difference. They’ve noticed that we aren’t like others. We walk differently; we carry our heads a little higher. We know that God is with us so who can really be against us? Yea, sometimes we doubt, we fall, we’re not perfect, but we always get back up. People have seen us climb out of pits and are wondering how we are doing it and why we are not discouraged. How do we know that something better lies ahead? They know it has got to be something supernatural. 

God is using us to draw people in and get others interested in Jesus. This task is an honor and for God to trust us with it means He knows that we can succeed. Just like every other success story, it comes with hard work. It’s not easy setting a positive example in a world where being “cool” is taking something sacred and personal and making it very public. 

From what I’ve seen, the girls with the most followers on Instagram are usually the ones half naked in majority of their pictures. The ones with the most followers on Twitter are usually using profanity in every tweet or tweeting pictures smoking something – a variety of things comes to mind. Now this may not always be the case but we do know that people on social media are always posting revealing pictures, tweets with inappropriate language, or things that are just plain rude. Our generation has very little filter and it doesn’t help that the enemy has a stronghold on so many people in the world. I see these things every day and sometimes feel tempted to post similar things to gain more followers or get more likes but then I remember my life isn’t my own. Instagram and Twitter won’t get me into heaven. Followers and likes won’t give me peace.  I’m not put here to glorify myself or make everyone like me but to testify to the good news of Jesus.  

 The Bible warns us not to practice righteousness before men (Matthew 6:1) but to shine before men so that they may see your good works and glorify the Father (Matthew 5:16). This simply means to not give in to what everyone else is doing to get more friend requests but to use these sites in a way that would bring honor to Christ. God wants us to honor and Him and give glory to Him in everything we do (See 1 Corinthians 10:31). Would He be pleased with your tweets? What about your retweets? 

Our decision to follow Christ leads us to have opinions that are not always the popular ones. There will be times when people challenge our beliefs, call us crazy, and may even decide not to be our friend any longer.  This can be a little scary to think about if you’re new to speaking up for Christ. Don’t fret; God will always be with you. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).” Jesus experienced a similar dislike. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” (John 15:18). 

This doesn’t mean that no one in this entire world will like you but it does mean that you are different. It means that this world is not your home, that you on a mission to save souls. It means that you have been called. “You my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love (Galatians 5:13).” Our social media networks can be used to lift one another up, to remind each other of God’s promises, to share the parables, to listen to concerns and be comforters.

Now I’m not saying you can only tweet Jamie Grace lyrics or only post screenshots of Scripture. Instead I’m advising you to be mindful of these things we put out on the internet. Remember, people are watching you. Though sometimes it feels like they are waiting for us to mess up, some are waiting for us to guide them. Our friends aren’t the only ones who see our social networking site.

Sometimes relatives look at our pages. This could be a younger brother, sister, or cousin who looks up to you. Our aunts and uncles may see our pictures. Our very own parents may see a few things we have put out there. Take these loved ones into consideration and then think about where you want to work. Would an employer approve of some of the things you have exposed? If so great! Now, go out and encourage others!

 Don’t forget about the people who are waiting to learn something new about the Bible or about our Savior. Is there anyone that always favorites or retweets you when you say encouraging things? You may be helping them in ways you can’t even imagine. Changing the world doesn’t happen instantly and all at once. Sometimes you just have to reach person, that’s it. You may be the only Bible someone reads today.  What you post on these sites should show your heart. It should reflect the Spirit that lives in you.

I pray that our Lord will use you in ways that can’t imagine. Keep your heart open to hear His word and be guided by the Holy Spirit that lives in you. You are truly blessed and highly favored. Believe in God in everything you do. Know that He loves you and calls you friend :)

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”



Did you enjoy this?If so, please share below! Thanks!