Being Watched

For Thursday, January 19, 2006
Proverbs 15:3

The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
keeping watch on the evil and the good.

This is either bad news or good news, depending on who you are and what you are doing. For the wicked, this is bad news. They can get away with nothing. God sees all; he cannot be deceived, cannot be mocked. For the righteous, this is good news. God sees all their good deeds; he sees their suffering. They are never alone.

For us Christians, this proverb serves to keep us both accountable and assured. Understand that there is no such thing as a private sin, not even a private thought. God sees all. Understand also that we are never in peril due to God not paying attention. He holds us in his hands all the time.

A couple of lessons we can gain from this. One, there is "no temptation that has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted byond your ability, but with the tempation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:13). God keeps his eyes on you, both to observe you faithfulness to him and to provide your way of escape. Two, God's grace is always with you as one who is righteous in Christ. He sees your righteous clothing. He sees your soul washed by the blood of his Son. And he watches you with love. Thus even your sin results in grace abounding all the more. For the wicked, even their "good" deeds condemn them, for they do not profess Jesus Christ as Lord.

As you go through the day, be aware and give thanks that God's eyes are upon you.