I was playing golf with two of my elders when about 30 minutes into the round a twosome of a middle-aged man and his twelve-year-old nephew walked up and joined our group. We didn’t know them, but it did not take long to learn about the man. After a few bad shots, he began to curse at his game. Though he didn’t know me, he learned that I was a minister. He acted embarrassed and said to me, “I’m sorry that I talked like that in front of you.”
I was bothered, but it was not his foul language that troubled me. I was bothered because 1) He was sorry about cursing in front of a grown man, but had no concern for how he behaved in front of his young nephew. 2) More than that, he gave no thought to the presence of the Lord. Perhaps he didn’t know the Lord was with us.
It was not the first time someone has apologized to me for cursing in my presence. Being a preacher does that to some folks.
Some are careful to behave as a Christians while around other Christians, but are embarrassed when another Christ follower “catches them” acting or speaking in an unbecoming way.
Sadly, too many forget that even when they are alone, the Lord is always present. The Psalmist said, “Where can I go from You presence?” (Ps 139). Faithful Christians know there is no place where God is not.
I wish that he had not apologized to me, but to his 12-year-old nephew. This is a good rule for life – whatever you do, remember that young eyes may be watching you. And, God’s eyes are always watching.
~Lonnie Davis