READING: Isaiah 34-37, Philippians 4:2-23
Somebody’s always listening to us, whether we realize it or not. Perhaps it’s a child who never misses the words of his parents. Maybe it’s church members who listen to our preaching and teaching. It might be non-believing neighbors or co-workers who continually listen for us to speak in a way that’s less than God-honoring. Others might be testing the truthfulness of our words. Some might not intentionally listening to us, but they hear us simply because they’re in our vicinity.
At the same time, somebody’s always watching us, too. We again may not always recognize it, but others are paying attention to our lives. In some cases, they simply long for Christian models who walk faithfully with the Father – and they sense that commitment in us. Others watch us just as they listen to us: hoping to find just reason to accuse us of hypocrisy. Their motives are impure and their intent is evil; seldom do they miss any opportunity to tear down others. Still others, though, watch us because they’re trying to figure out the source of our joy. They watch, wanting to know more.
Listening. And watching. Always. Somebody.
What, then, should our goal be? To so follow Christ that we can say with integrity to others: “Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you” (Phil 4:9).
PRAYER: “Father, grant me grace to follow You without compromise.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: Pay attention to your words and your actions today. Somebody else is….
TOMORROW’S READING: Isaiah 38-41, Colossians 1:1-2:5