The Glass Microscope
John 1:46-48
People are watching your life, but more importantly, God is watching your life.
Syndicated New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman, a keen observer of world trends, devoted a column once to the idea that technology has made everyone a potential paparazzi. Friedman explains that anyone we encounter could have a cell phone with a camera that could record our actions. If we're rude or misbehave, we could end up on the offended party's blog or website for the whole world to see. "We're all public figures now," concludes Friedman. For support, Friedman cites the book How by Dov Seidman. Its thesis: in this world of new and potentially revealing technology, how we live our lives and conduct our businesses has become far more significant than what we do. "We do not live in glass houses (houses have walls); we live on glass microscope slides...visible and exposed to all," writes Seidman.
Have you noticed how potentially dangerous one slip up can be? We see stories in the news all the time of businesses that mistreated customers only to face lawsuits or negative internet campaigns against their company from that offended party. I've seen stories about everything from celebrities upset at airline companies to average customers campaigning against local restaurants. No one is safe from the all-seeing eye of the internet these days.
But while reporters and businesses are finding the new internet-vulnerability surprising, God has taught in His Word that our lives are being watched. Notice two different ways we are living in a "glass microscope" today.
Through peer evaluation. Countless sermons have been preached and articles written about the importance of living a godly life because others are watching. Wherever you go, whatever you do, someone will be watching your actions.
"That's not fair; I'm not perfect" seems to be the collective response of people frustrated by the pressures of trying to live godly lives. But consider the fact that it's not so much about putting on a show of godliness for others to see, but living out a life conviction of dedication to God. Anyone can play the role, but dedicated believers realize their lives aren't simply show; they're lived to glorify God.
Through God's watchfulness. The Pharisees and religious leaders knew how to put on a show for their peers. They could dress the part and obey the laws so people assumed their holiness. But Jesus taught that while men look at outward showing of holiness, God looks at the heart's motivation.
Notice what Jesus told Nathanael when He saw Nathanael coming to Him, "Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee." Jesus saw Nathanael, not just that he was sitting under a tree, but that he had a pure heart (in whom is no guile).
Take a minute to put yourself under the microscope right now. Why do you live a godly life? Are you so concerned with your outward appearance that you forget God's analysis of your heart and motivation? Don't become like the Pharisees who lived only to please others, but live so that your actions and motivations would please God.
Daily Bible Reading
Ezra 1-2 | John 19:23-42
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