The World Is Watching
Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbours. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honourable behaviour, and they will give honour to God when he judges the world. 1 Peter 2:12 (NLT)
We have probably all seen documentaries about female lions hunting their prey. Watching the lionesses use their wit, stealth and prowess is quite fascinating. After dark or at dusk, the lionesses would hide in a tree or high grass and pick out their target. They would then patiently wait for the exact moment to pounce. The ideal moment is different each time. Sometimes they will use scare tactics to panic the herd, causing them to take off quickly. The weaker ones will inevitably be separated from the herd, becoming easy targets for the lionesses. Other times, they would wait for the animals to get distracted or miss the subtle danger signs. Or they would trigger false alarms to distract and tire them out.
Just as the lioness watches her prey, the world is watching us, followers of Jesus Christ. The world is watching, waiting to trip us up. Waiting for us to make what would seem to them the “wrong move.” To say or do what is perceived as “not Christian.”
Children of Light
Paul gave the church at Philippi wise counsel concerning their behaviour.
“Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticise you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” Philippians 2:14-15 (NLT)
He encourages us not to complain and grumble. In other words, we are to bridle our tongues. We are to be mindful of the words we use and our attitude when we speak. If we cannot control our tongue, we are fooling ourselves, and our religion is worthless. This is what James 1:26 says. As children of God, we are to live our lives differently. We are to live as children of light, bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth). Ephesians 5:8-9 (NKJV)
As children of light, we are not to be caught off-guard when we find ourselves in situations where we are tempted to behave like unbelievers. We are not to be distracted and miss the subtle ways in which Satan wants to nullify our testimony. He will do whatever it takes to distract us so that we are not sensitive to Holy Spirit’s prompting. When we are sensitive to Holy Spirit’s promptings, we will receive wisdom to control our tongue. Our hearts will be anchored in the truth. Our behaviour will display His light. And our Lord and Saviour will be honoured and glorified.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)
Reflection:
Are there times when you feel tempted to behave like those in the world?
Prayer:
Forgive me, Lord, for the times I have behaved in a way that did not honour You. Help me, Lord, to be sensitive to the promptings of our Holy Spirit. Help me to control my tongue. I pray that through my speech and behaviour I will display Your light. In Jesus’ name, amen.
