by Victoria Heinecke

Careful – someone is watching.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“Those who desire to love life
    and to see good days,
let them keep their tongues from evil
    and their lips from speaking deceit;
let them turn away from evil and do good;
    let them seek peace and pursue it.”
1 Peter 3:10-11

In the performing arts community, there is a maxim: “The camera is always on, and the microphone is always hot.” It means that anything we say or do can be recorded or amplified, either live or – worse – recorded for posterity. It reminds us that, when we are on stage, any fidgeting or chatter might be recorded by a camera, somewhere.

Nowadays, we are fortunate when we see a sign like this to remind us. Stores use cameras to look for shoplifters. Our city’s police use them to record drivers who run red lights. Even homes are increasingly likely to have a doorbell that records every person and animal that strolls close enough to be detected by it.

In fact, it’s likely you have been recorded by a camera at least once if you’ve been out of your home today.

The early church was under its own sort of scrutiny in the First Century. They stood out in society for following the teachings of Jesus Christ. They took care of widows and orphans and shared what they had with one another in community. They were not perfect, but their behavior stood out in contrast to that of their Roman occupiers.

“…do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you…”
1 Peter 3:14b-15

While we cannot imitate Christ perfectly, and may even suffer ridicule as we try, we continue to put our best foot forward while the cameras run. Be assured that a life reflecting faith in his promises will receive eternal glory with him.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Scripture readings are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)