Are people innately good or are they innately evil?  I remember being asked this question in seminary.  I used to think that most people were innately good – that most folks really do want to do the right thing.  And, when I say the “right thing”…it means for me that one will choose to do the right thing when they know no one else is looking.  This is called integrity.  For me, there is nothing worse than to have my integrity questioned.

In 2 Kings 24:9-20, it seems that king after king “does what is evil in the sight of the Lord” (vv. 9, 19).  Notice, it doesn’t say, the king does what is evil in the sight of the people!  Because here is the thing…God sees us no matter what.  He knows our hearts.  He knows what our intentions are.  He knows our hate, our fear, and our evil spirits that live within us.  In all reality, we cannot escape from our actions, our words, our thoughts, or how we live out our days.  God sees it!  God knows every move we make!  God sees it all – even when you think no one else is looking!

Live your days as if someone is always watching you.  As Christians, we are role models to others for our Lord!  People will notice your acts of kindness and love.  People will notice when you reach out to help.  But, even more importantly, God sees you and is watching you!

Let us pray…Gracious God, thank you for the spirit that lives in us that guides us into your goodness and mercy.  Help us to always do the right thing, even when we think no one is looking.  Lead us to be the role model that you would want us to be for others.  In your name we pray.  Amen.