I have become a sign to many; you are my strong refuge. Psalm 71:7

It’s no secret that people are watching us. I’m not talking about NSA or traffic cams or Google’s monitoring. I’m talking about your friends and family members. It’s not just unbelievers that are watching you, but everybody is.

Of course we know that the unbelievers are watching what we do and how we do it. They’re looking for consistency with word and deed. I don’t necessarily ascribe to the “Preach the Gospel and if necessary use words” philosophy often attributed to Francis of Assisi because both words and deeds are needed; they just need to match up.

Believers are also watching you but in a more subtle way. They are looking for affirmation that what they know and believe is being lived out by others. It’s especially true with newer Believers.

To the newly born again Believer, the Christian experience is new and wonderful and confusing to them. They see what they see and if it differs from what they read in the Bible and learn from teachings, they get disheartened and even more confused. It becomes a slight obstacle if they see us living lives that are inconsistent with the teachings of the Word of God.

Our life is an open book. What we say and do around Believers and unbelievers alike can make a huge difference. Are we seeking out opportunities to promote God and His goodness? Are we building others up?

It doesn’t take extra effort necessarily, just a little forethought.