[308 words]
It is easy to appear faithful when others are watching. The greater test of character is what we do when no one else can see us. Integrity means that our private life agrees with the faith we profess publicly.
Proverbs 15:3 reminds us, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” We may hide actions from people, but nothing is hidden from God. Our words, choices, motives, and thoughts are always before Him.
Hebrews 4:13 makes this truth even clearer: “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”That should cause every Christian to examine the private areas of life. What do we watch? What do we say when certain people are absent? What choices do we make online? How do we behave when we believe no one will ever know?
Faithfulness is also seen in how we serve. Paul wrote, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:23). Christians should not need applause, recognition, or supervision to do what is right. We serve faithfully because our ultimate Master is Christ. Joseph demonstrated this kind of integrity when he refused temptation in Genesis 39:9, asking, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” His concern was not merely being caught. His concern was sinning against God.
True faithfulness begins when we remember that God is always present. Live honestly when no one is watching. Speak carefully when no one will repeat your words. Refuse temptation when no one would discover it. Serve faithfully when no one applauds.
The Christian who lives for God in private will have little difficulty honoring Him in public.
Jonathan Burns
Findlay church of Christ
Sparta, TN