Bible reading plan Bible reading plan

Somebody’s Watching You

10 March 2024

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And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. Mark 15:21

 

In the aisles of Sainsbury's, an ordinary shopping trip turned into an unexpected lesson in awareness.  A seemingly innocent moment unfolded when a famous actress from Coronation Street, caught in the act of sampling a few grapes, showcased how closely observed our actions are.  It was a revelation that echoed a timeless truth: somebody's watching you.

 

Mark 15:21 caught my attention: during the crucifixion of Jesus, Simon of Cyrene, father of Alexander and Rufus, was compelled to carry the cross.  Little did this father know that this act of service would leave a mark on the lives of his sons, who church tradition says later became missionaries.  It prompts us to reflect on the impact our daily actions can have on those who witness them, especially our children and grandchildren.

 

As we navigate our own journeys of faith, the significance of our actions is magnified when seen through the eyes of our children.  My growing up in a single-parent home, the commitment of a hardworking mother who not only took her children to church but also exemplified Christ at home, left a major imprint on my heart.

 

Even with all the challenges of our life, she did her best to exemplify Christ in our home, even as a new believer and when the world around us was quite rough. There were many opportunities for my life to have gone wrong at every turn, but her doing her best to be a good Christian parent went a very long way.

 

As we live out our faith before our children and the world around us, let's remember the silent witnesses and the impact our actions can have.  This week, let’s remember that every choice, every act of love, and every moment of joy contributes to our children’s lives, leaving an impression on those who are watching us.

 

10 Things our kids need to see us doing:

  1. Laughing – lots of laughing
  2. Going to church regularly
  3. Volunteering and being part of our church family.
  4. Speaking well of others
  5. Being kind to those less fortunate
  6. Saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.
  7. Praying & worshipping out loud
  8. Reading our Bibles
  9. Setting faith goals financially
  10. Doing things we love, having fun.

Photo of Julie Beemer

Julie Beemer
Director
GoChurch Global