Almost everywhere we go these days we are being videotaped. Cameras on red lights monitor traffic, cameras in department stores scan for shoplifters, policemen with body cams track their daily encounters. Many businesses and residences are equipped with cameras both inside and out to dissuade thieves or to guard children at play. Bystanders with iPhones are quick to record any event that’s out of the ordinary.

Libertarians are voicing concern over improper government surveillance that invades personal privacy. WikiLeaks claims that the CIA has the capability to permanently bug iPhones, even if their operating systems are deleted or replaced.

Some insist it’s now possible for tech geeks to use television sets and iPads to view activity inside our homes or to monitor conversations we assumed were completely confidential. That’s frightening! We all value privacy and we resent the possibility that someone we don’t know is monitoring us when we’re not aware of it.

But there is a more sobering spiritual truth that most ignore. The God of this universe has been observing our every move since before we were born. The Scripture makes it clear that:

(1) The Lord monitors everything we do. One of the Biblical names for God is, “El Roi” which means, “The God Who Sees” (Gen. 16:13-14) The Bible makes it clear that the God who knows the number of hairs on our head sees everything. The Psalmist declared, “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (Psalm 121:8). Not only does He monitor our every deed, He records our every word and is even aware of our inmost thoughts and motives.  He is the God who sees all.

(2) The Lord will disclose everything on judgment day. How embarrassing it must have been for NFL football star Ray Rice when millions saw a video of him inside an elevator hitting his wife. How humiliating for politician Anthony Weiner to have people snickering when his inappropriate texting to a mistress was made public.

Jesus warned that on Judgment Day we will all give an account for our every action and thought. “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 ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs” (Luke 12:2-3).

That’s sobering! There are some things I’ve said and done that I don’t want my Christian friends (and my mother!) to ever know about.

(3) The Lord will not disclose the sins of the believer! Most Bible students conclude that when Christians stand before the judgment seat of Christ the embarrassing sins of the past will not even be brought up.

The Bible promises that the blood of Christ cleanses us from every sin and that God buries our transgressions in the deepest sea and doesn’t remember them anymore (Micah 7:19). That’s seven miles down! That’s great news! “As far as the east is removed from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us”. (Psalm 103:12) I don’t know about you but that’s a relief to me. That’s God’s amazing grace!

(4) The Lord will reward good deeds performed with pure motives.  God monitors His people not for condemnation but for commendation. The Bible suggests that there will be degrees of punishment in hell and different kinds of reward in heaven. Jesus warned the obstinate Pharisees that, “…it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of Judgment than for you” ((Luke 10:14). And He promised those who endured persecution that they would receive a “great reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:12).

Some of the disclosures on judgment day will be praiseworthy and bring honor. Missionaries who have served in obscurity for decades and compassionate caregivers who have given their lives to assist disabled loved ones will be rewarded for their sacrifice.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved – even though only as one escaping through the flames”. (1 Cor. 3:12-15)

The purifying fire of God’s judgment may reveal that some of our good deeds were performed with impure motives. If that visit we made to the hospital was done begrudgingly or to avoid being cut out of the will, we will not be rewarded. We will still be saved but just not honored for what appeared to be good works. Conversely, the one who visits the sick out of genuine compassion will be commended for their Christ-like behavior.

The Bible promises, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done in the body, whether good or bad”. (2 Cor. 5:10) That’s why the previous verse reads, “So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it” (2 Cor. 5:9).

In one of her devotionals, Ethel Sutton related the story of a British soldier who was blinded in battle. The young man was a talented pianist so after his injury, he often played for the wounded who were sent to a London hospital near his home. He would hear the tramping of feet through the corridors as visitors came and went but he tried not to be distracted. He was determined to play his best each time hoping his music would comfort his fellow soldiers who were struggling with painful injuries.

One day as he paused between a couple of songs he heard a bystander clapping heartily. Turning his sightless eyes in that direction the pianist smiled and asked, “Who are you?” “I am your king,” was the astonishing reply.  Without realizing it he had been using his talent to entertain the king of England who had come to boost and cheer the wounded.

Though we don’t see Him, the King of kings is listening, observing, evaluating our efforts. Others may be served or encouraged along the way but His assessment is really the only one that matters. It’s good to know that He is eager to approve our efforts and proclaim, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”

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