What Do “Watchers” See?
We live, but even in today’s semi-isolated and individualistically focused culture, we never live alone. Except perhaps for the tiny portion of our population who are true hermits and recluses, we live among, and are always observed by others. Our values show through our ifestyle and the way we live speaks volumes to them about what we believe and what is most important to us. No matter what our status or position in society others are watching us and drawing conclusions about us based on what they see. No, it’s not a matter of are they watching, the question is what do they see?
For those of us who claim to be Christ-followers, does that fact stand out in any significant way to the “watchers?” Is there and discernable difference between what they see in us and what they would see in anyone else? Should there be? All true Christ-followers know the answer to that question is a loud yes! Of course it should matter that Jesus lives in us. Of course His values should not only guide us but lead us to a lifestyle that is based on His example and teaching. If that is true, our lives today, as His did then, will contrast to the lives of others in a way that is pretty obvious. We will be light and salt. Are we?
Jesus asked some of His followers, “Why do you call me Lord Lord and don’t do the things I say?” Were He to ask us the same question, what would we answer?
What are some of the distinctives that “watchers” should see in the lives of Christ-followers?
Where do you think the typical non-Christ-follower would see a difference in the life and lifestyle of the average member of your church? Your pastor?
Jesus told some of His followers that He wished that they were either “hot” or “cold” and that to be “lukewarm” was disgusting to Him. What do you think a “lukewarm” Christ-follower might look like in today’s culture?
In the first century a non-Chris- follower, Artstedes, described Christ-followers to his Emperor this way:
They love one another, they never fail to help widows. they save orphans from those who would hurt them. If they have something they give feely to the man who has nothing, if they see a stranger, they take him home and are happy as though he were a real brother. They don’t consider themselves brothers in the usual sense, but brothers, instead through the Spirit, in God.
Wouldn’t it be cool if the “watchers” of our lives could say that, or something very close to it today about you and I and the Christ-followers that we hang with? It’s not impossible, but it won’t happen by accident, it will need to be the intentional result of choices we make based on the values and priorities we hold most dear. It is our choice to make, we don’t have to guess what His would be. Why would we call Him Lord and not try to do whatHe says?
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Buck Jacobs, Chairman and Founder of The C12 Group, LLC - Christian CEO and mentor. Buck has an extensive background in successful organizational development based on the principles found in scripture. The motto of the C12 group is "Building great companies for a greater purpose." 
During your visit to Colorado in January, we talked about what makes a C12 Member Company look any different than a non-C12 company. I asked why there weren’t many obvious differences in culture, financial performance, leadership styles, and so on. Your response was simple, and profound – WE are the differentiators! As owners, leaders, managers and stewards, it’s up to each one of us, individually, to set the standards higher, raise the bar for the entire organization, and act like a Christ-follower in all situations so others can see the behavior, and learn from it. During our devotions this morning, we talked about the old saw – “what you do speaks so loudly that I can’t hear what you’re saying”.
Thank you, Buck, for sharing your thoughts and ideas with us.
Thanks Wayne! Press on and hope to see you soon!