You are being watched.

Not by the government. (Although they know more about you than you would ever guess.)

Not by the Lord. (Although He is watching over you and has His hand upon you.)

You are being watched by the people around you.

Every word you say, every action you do, and, even more importantly, every attitude you display is being watched by those around you who do not know the Lord, but know that you call Him Saviour.

They may not show that they are watching. They may even deliberately ignore you. But they are watching you, just the same.

Some are trying to decide whether or not they want what you have; that is, peace of mind in the security of your salvation; a special relationship with the God of heaven and earth, and with His Son.

Some are trying to prove to themselves that you are no different from them, therebye easing their own consciences. They want to believe that there is nothing "special" about you; that there is nothing to your talk about redemption from sin, and walking with the Lord.

What do they see?

Do they see their words, actions, and attitudes reflected in your own?
Or do they see the fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance?

Do you return harsh word for harsh word?
Or do you bless them that curse you?

Do you complain about working too hard when other seem lazy?
Or do you do all things without complaining and murmuring?

Do you hold grudges against those who have wronged you?
Or do you freely forgive from the heart?

Do you judge or criticize other Christians who stumble?
Or do you encourage, edify, and lift them up in love, knowing the weaknesses of the flesh?

Do you forgive yourself when you stumble, just as the Lord has forgiven you?
Or do you carry around a load of guilt that has already been paid for by Christ, our Saviour, at Golgotha?

As you go through your days, interacting and working with those who do not (yet?) know Jesus, remember this...

You are being watched.

Show them what it is to be a child of the King.

May the Lord of all peace bless you and give you the strength to shine as a light to unbelieving eyes, and as warmth to soften hardened hearts.