What Would They Hear?

Politics aside, how do you feel about the Bush Administration's admission of wiretaps and request (May 10th USA Today) that several long distance providers turn over millions of billing records to the NSA? Some legal minds far more knowledgeable than me on this topic, say it's an invasion of privacy and a possible violation of the constitution. A few critics are questioning the boundaries of the Executive Branch of government. Others may even agree on the privacy issue, but simply reason that this is life in a post 911 world fraught with terrorism. My point here isn't to weigh in on the political discussion. The Beltway conversations, recent news reports and those television armchairpolitical pundits have prompted me to consider something similar as it relates to the lives of Christ-followers.

Question: What if the NSA went beyond phone records and began monitoring our daily, domestic phone calls? What do you suppose they would hear? How would I sound to Big Brother?

Would my voice always be pleasant? Would they shudder to hear the content and tone of our calls with children and spouses? Would they occasionally hear the frequent bathroom humor that is associated with sailors and locker rooms? Would they hear concern, compassion and empathy toward people who are hurting or in great need? Or, would the silence of indifference scream volumes? Would my words exalt Christ and build people up, or would they overhear the stinging remarks of a critical spirit? You get the point.

Maybe we should live our lives in a way that acknowledges that people are listening in on our conversations and watching our actions. No, I'm not saying we have to be perfect. We're all so far from it. However, what if we were mindful of every call and conversation? Rest assured God is listening in. Ouch! As I reflect on some of my recent conversations the thought of God listening is downright scary. Scripture teaches that our words and actions never escape Him.
If you've got one bone of sincerity toward Christ in your body, that thought ought haunt our daily conversations and actions. Not as in Freddie Krueger terror, but with the awe and reverance reserved for holy fear.

Now, I'm really afraid to answer the phone!

P.S. Years ago theologian and futurist Leonard Sweet noted at a conference I attended that if they (government/scientists) had cloned a sheep (Dolly) and admitted it, what have they done that they aren't telling us? Oh my, that's not a particularly comforting thought on this topic of wiretaps and phone conversations.