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Aug 07, 2026 06:00am

Someone is Always Watching

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Someone is always watching us. What kind of example are we to them?

The owner of a large corporation called a company-wide meeting. There were rumors about the purpose of the meeting that swirled about throughout the divisions. Some thought it was about raises or higher pay. Others speculated it was about restructuring and job changes. And still a few thought it could be that he was going to give an award to some of the employees for their excellent sales and great financial gain for the company.

When all were seated in the large conference room, the owner, dressed in his 3-piece tailored suit, took to the front of the room. Everything about him demonstrated success.

“I know you’re all wondering why you are here today. So, let me cut to the chase. Each day, you work on projects and tasks, and do so with pride, for which I’m grateful. Hard work and commitment should be rewarded. Before I formed this company, I learned from some great people what it took to be successful. Arriving early, sometimes staying a little late, you worked to get the job done by deadlines. You treated people like they matter, with respect, honor, and kindness. You paid attention to even the tiniest details that others might overlook. You care about the overall image of the company, from the inside out. Work with integrity, pride, and enthusiasm; these were deeply engrained in me from a young age.

There is one person whom I feel epitomizes all of these things and to whom I bestow a raise today. For he has been the very example of hard work to all of us, and we couldn’t be the business we are today without him.
Across the group, backs straightened, the employees seemingly looking taller and ready to receive their reward.
“Mr. Tom Brown.”
All eyes and heads turned to the man at the back of the room holding his mop in hand. Color crept up his neck and face from the acknowledgement and attention.
The custodian.

There could have been jealousy, prideful snickers, and arrogant disbelief that their own name hadn’t been called, but instead, something incredible happened.
The entire room began to applaud and rose to their feet. They knew it was true.

He was there every morning as they clocked in, already working away, but taking a moment to greet each person with a smile and by name. Their building was talked about around town as the nicest and cleanest business. The windows spotless, floors shining, and everything always in top shape. And as each person left for the day, there was Tom, holding the door for them, saying goodbye and congratulating them on a job well done for the day.

As the owner shook Tom’s hand, he said, “May we all look to Mr. Tom Brown as our example.”

In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul wanted to recognize some examples of his own.
1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 “And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.”
While all believers in Christ should be ready and willing to stand for their faith, the Thessalonians did. They were in an area where pagan religions and influence were everywhere. Christians were persecuted for being close-minded, declaring that Jesus was the only way to salvation and that these traditions and pagan practices were false.
Even under pressure and severe persecution, the Thessalonian believers shared the gospel and lived according to the truth. They honored God with their words and actions, and Paul commended their lives.
Whether we want to realize it or not, people are always watching, taking notice of how we act, speak, and live. Would our lives be a good example of who Jesus calls us to be?

Sure, we all make mistakes and feel like we could have responded better or made a different decision in a circumstance. But are we learning from those mistakes by fixing our eyes on Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and correct us?
Father, forgive me! Help me to be the best example for others who may not know you. Show me the areas that need work and lead me in the way of righteousness. You are the potter and I am the clay. Mold me and make me into a person who can pour out your love to others. Amen.