When No One Is Watching, Part 1

After looking in all directions to make sure no one was watching, Moses killed the Egyptian and hid the body in the sand.

Exodus 2:12

Surely in the story of Moses' killing of the brutal slave master we see some of his honorable qualities, such as his loyalty to his people and his anger over injustice. But we also see Moses’ impetuousness, his tendency to act on impulse and out of anger. We also glimpse his willingness to do something that he knew to be illegal. He was “looking around in all directions to make sure no one was watching” because he knew that he did not have the legal authority to kill the Egyptian master. Thinking he could get away with this crime because nobody was looking, Moses did something he should not have done.

Can you relate to Moses? Have you ever done something you knew to be wrong because no one was watching? I expect you have because just about everyone does. Yet the more we grow in Christ, the more we will become people of integrity. We will do what’s right and avoid what’s wrong even when nobody will know.

Of course, what I’ve said is not quite true. The Lord will know, because he sees all. There is never actually a time when “no one is watching” us. This means that the more we grow in our love for God, the more we will be eager to please him, and that will motivate us to seek righteousness and avoid evil.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: Have you ever found yourself in a predicament like that of Moses, getting caught for something when you thought you had been acting in secret? Are there times in your life now when you do something you shouldn’t do because it seems as if no one is watching? Why do you think the fact that God is watching doesn’t make more of a difference to you?

PRAYER: Dear Lord, I can sure relate to Moses. You know how many times I have acted, or not acted, because it felt as if I were not being watched. Of course, I rather forgot that the most important witness ever is watching . . . namely, you! Forgive me, Lord, not only for doing what’s wrong, but also for caring so little about you in those moments.

Help me to live my life with consistent integrity, acting in secret as I would if I were being observed by others. May I so desire to please you that I live at all times for your glory, avoiding sin and doing what’s right. Amen.