The World Is Always Watching
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
Colossians 4:3–6
I read about a pastor who was building a wooden trellis to support a climbing vine he had planted by his house. As he pounded away, he noticed that there was a little boy who was watching him intently. The youngster didn’t say a word, so the pastor kept on working, thinking the boy would get bored and eventually leave, but he didn’t. Finally the pastor asked, “Well, son, are you trying to pick up some pointers on gardening or construction?” “No,” the boy replied, “I’m waiting to hear what a preacher says when he hits his thumb with a hammer.”
Whether or not we’re aware of it, all of us are being watched. Whether it is by children, co-workers, neighbors, friends, or strangers, they are forming an opinion of us—and more importantly of Jesus—based on what they see in our lives. There is never a time when we are not teaching others about our faith. Over the years I’ve heard many people share disappointment over ways they knew their testimony had negatively influenced others—whether it was their own children, or co-workers, or someone else. In the moment, they simply hadn’t realized the impact their behavior would have on those who were watching.
None of us are perfect. But we should be careful that nothing we do would be a hindrance to someone else believing the gospel. Though each individual is responsible for his decisions, we do not want to be the cause of someone stumbling through how we live.
Colossians 4:3–6
I read about a pastor who was building a wooden trellis to support a climbing vine he had planted by his house. As he pounded away, he noticed that there was a little boy who was watching him intently. The youngster didn’t say a word, so the pastor kept on working, thinking the boy would get bored and eventually leave, but he didn’t. Finally the pastor asked, “Well, son, are you trying to pick up some pointers on gardening or construction?” “No,” the boy replied, “I’m waiting to hear what a preacher says when he hits his thumb with a hammer.”
Whether or not we’re aware of it, all of us are being watched. Whether it is by children, co-workers, neighbors, friends, or strangers, they are forming an opinion of us—and more importantly of Jesus—based on what they see in our lives. There is never a time when we are not teaching others about our faith. Over the years I’ve heard many people share disappointment over ways they knew their testimony had negatively influenced others—whether it was their own children, or co-workers, or someone else. In the moment, they simply hadn’t realized the impact their behavior would have on those who were watching.
None of us are perfect. But we should be careful that nothing we do would be a hindrance to someone else believing the gospel. Though each individual is responsible for his decisions, we do not want to be the cause of someone stumbling through how we live.
Today’s Growth Principle:
Realizing that we are having an influence on others will help us respond properly in every circumstance.
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