“As dead flies cause even a bottle of perfume to stink, so a little foolishness spoils great wisdom and honor. A wise person chooses the right road; a fool takes the wrong one. You can identify fools just by the way they walk down the street!” (Ecclesiastes 10:1–3, NLT)
Three times this week, in three different ways – a piece of wisdom was presented to me. First, a song on my radio by country artist, Rodney Atkins: Watching You (link below). Next: a funny meme on Facebook with two mothers discussing the evils of technology and ways to combat it. Lastly, on my long drive through the South Carolina countryside to Barnwell, I see the church sign above. Then it hit me – wow God, this obviously is a great devotional message for the week. Not just for sharing – it’s a message for me too!
Do you realize people are watching even when you on your own – so to speak? It happens to me a lot when I am driving – maybe my speed gets a little too high, or I get frustrated on a one lane backroad and allow a bit of road rage to come out. Of course, the first chance I get those dotted yellow lines – I will zoom past so I can get to my next destination. My chaplain license place and door signs blazing the whole way – um, great example Tony. BTW: My drive to Barnwell was one of those days, Oy Vey!
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Sometimes I need to slow down in between places, reminding myself who I am; and who I represent. |
People see what we do all the time – whether we know they are looking or not. There is even a risk of damaging credibility. Now, I’m pretty sure my perfume is okay with those driving infractions – or is it? It depends on who saw and how they were influenced.
The church sign challenges us at home, but I suggest our actions teach others everywhere we go. Even more so for leaders.
The things we say, things we do, places we go and people we associate with are all examples that people will notice and make decisions. They teach others about our character, and the character might choose to emulate.
I hope you choose wisely.