Someone's Watching

This is the fourth of several blogs inspired by NCAA basketball’s “March Madness” championship tournament. The player made a mistake and his coach benched him. The camera caught him just as he sat down and slammed the empty chair beside him to the ground. Similar incidents may have happened a number of times during March madness, but this one was broadcast to the nation. This player is considered a strong prospect for the pros. I wonder if his tantrum might cause future coaches to pause before they draft him. As a leader, what goes through your mind when an embarrassing incident is televised to the nation? It should be an important reminder for anyone who is in the spotlight: someone is always watching. Now you may think this doesn’t apply to you. Your church or ministry isn’t very large or prominent, or maybe you’re not the lead leader. But I can assure you, someone’s watching. It may not be thousands or millions of people. It may just be a few church members or a single employee, but someone is watching. Perhaps you think it’s not fair that leaders have to live their lives in goldfish bowls where every move is seen and scrutinized. In some ways, you’re right. But then it’s also not “fair” for leaders to be put on pedestals or given too much authority. Part of wearing the mantle of leadership is the reality that someone is watching. The right question for leaders is not, “How can I keep from being watched?” The right question is, “How will I conduct my life in light of the fact that someone is always watching?” Sure, it’s a weighty responsibility. It’s also a tremendous opportunity. Remember this the next time that you want to slam a chair to the ground, or treat a staff member harshly, or belittle someone’s idea. Because even if no one is watching at all, God is always watching. It’s easy to receive my blogs by email. Just sign-up on Feedburner by clicking here.]]>