The Eyes of the Lord

I wrote about going to Polishing the Pulpit last week, and I want to continue that theme this week. I mentioned this in my sermon Sunday night but wanted to expand on it. Driving down Interstate 40 is like driving in the Indianapolis 500. I try to drive the speed limit. I believe the Bible teaches us to obey the laws of the land (Romans 13:1-5). When you drive the speed limit, you are just in some people’s way, and they are not very patient about that fact. They will get behind you and honk or flash their lights. When they get to pass you, they might greet you with the middle finger or zoom past. This seemed to be especially bad this time for some reason. Driving seventy miles an hour down the interstate, some people passed me like I was standing still. That is, until they all started slowing down. Why? Traffic, an accident, a change of heart? No, just our friendly state troopers.

That is when I start passing people. The guy doing one hundred now cannot get his car above sixty-five. It reminds me of being a kid. The teacher would leave the room, and chaos would ensue. When the teacher would be back, we would all be polishing our halos. We thought we were getting away with something until we found out she had been listening over the intercom. I want my kids to do the right thing whether they think I am watching or not. I get that when they were younger, you would have to watch and train, but as they have grown up, I hope they do the right thing because it is the right thing and not out of fear of punishment.

Do you think God might desire that as well? As obedient children we do what He has taught us because we love Him, not because we are scared He is watching and going to punish us. Just because you do not see God physically in front of you does not mean He does not see (Proverbs 15:3). Let’s honor Him with our lives today.