Who’s Watching You?

For the past couple of weeks, I’ve noticed a heavyset guy, probably in his mid-thirties, coming and getting in the hot tub while I was swimming. He always left before I was finished swimming, so I had never met this man, let alone spoken to him; however, I was starting to make a mental note of this man’s regularity. Well, Monday he was still sitting in the hot tub when I finished my swim and headed to relax in the hot tub myself.

Once I had settled in the water, Ike (I soon learned his name) said, “Sir, how much weight have you lost?” I told him, and he said, “I’ve been watching you since I’ve been coming to the gym, and you’ve really been inspiring me. My doctor said I need to lose some weight, so I’ve just started coming to the gym. Dude, you’re really helping me. Thanks!”

I was floored, for I wasn’t really cognizant that my weight loss was that evident just looking at me. Ike and I talked for a bit, and I shared some tips I’ve found helpful as he shared how he’s struggled with his weight and the accompanying medical issues.

But I also couldn’t help but consider the great spiritual lesson Ike demonstrated: People are watching you, people are noticing you, and people are trying to imitate you. What do they see when they watch you? What behaviors are people noticing in you? And what about your lifestyle are people trying to imitate?

You know precisely what our Lord said: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt 5:14-16).

Live well before others. Do good works. Imitate your Lord. Let people see Jesus living in you. No, it’s not about people recognizing you. It’s not about accolades. It’s not about people seeing you at all. It’s about people seeing Jesus.

Whom do people see when they look at you? Do they see you, or do they see Jesus?

This article was originally written by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., for the weekly newsletter at Church of Christ Deer Park in Deer Park, Texas.