How do we act when no one is watching?

"Even in my house I will walk in my integrity."

-- Psalm 101:2 (NIV)

When I started my quest to practice God's presence in my life, at first, I thought this meant some spiritual feeling would come over me as I turned my thoughts toward Him. However, He has been teaching me differently.

I have found practicing God's presence means acting as if I am in His sight, all the time. It is our character that God is concerned with.

I was watching a TV program showing people being placed in frustrating situations, while their reactions were viewed by a hidden camera. I was impressed at the way many of them acted. They were courteous, not rude. They maintained their calm state and treated others with respect. Watching this, I observed that being in God's presence is like being watched on camera, our actions and behavior are always being tested. If we saw a replay of ourselves on film, would we be embarrassed or proud of our actions?

Our character is revealed by what we do when no one is watching. Is the behavior inside of our homes as excellent as outside of them? Are we sweet in public, only to come home and scream at our families? Do we show concern to others by changing the roll of toilet paper when it runs out, or do we leave it for someone else to do? What if God was next in line? Many of us will do the right thing when someone is watching us, but what do we do when no one else is around?

King David knew what it meant to be in God's view. That is why he included Psalm 101:2 in his collection of sacred writings: "Even in my house I will walk in my integrity."

We may need to re-examine the fact God is watching our behaviors. His camera is rolling in our home. We need to practice His presence as we face the issues of life. As we go about daily routine, we need to be mindful as we look into the candid lens of God's camera.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or calling (847) 543-8413.