Bright Spot: You can't hide your deeds from watchful eyes

I remember hearing about a thief trying to run from the police under the cover of darkness. This is usually a successful strategy for the thief.

But this guy was clearly competing for a Darwin Award, which is given to those who demonstrate the opposite of “survival of the fittest.”

He was wearing a brand new kind of tennis shoe called “LA Lightgear.” You may recall those were some of the first to have twinkling lights in the soles every time you took a step. Little kids love ‘em. So do police chasing a perp.

“There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the housetops ... Be sure your sins will find you out.” (Luke 12:2-3; Numbers 32:23)

So what were our former and current presidents thinking when they hid classified documents in plain sight? Want to know a secret? We’ll probably never know the truth.

In the Bible, one of the most frequent excuses people give for doing bad things is: “God doesn’t see me. So why should I bother to do what’s right for you instead of what’s right for me, what I want to do and what feels good? If God doesn’t see me, why would man? I’m smarter than most and I can get away with it.”

That has never been true. It’s even less so today with computer tracking and ubiquitous cameras. Don’t forget the “eyes of God that rove to and fro throughout the earth.” (2 Chronicles 16:9)

But here’s a different way to look at our 24/7 surveillance. All these truths about man’s and God’s eyes are meant to concern those doing wrong and comfort for those doing right.

So are you comforted or convicted?

Rick Sams is pastor emeritus of Alliance Friends Church.

This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Bright Spot: You can't hide your deeds from watchful eyes