A recent Family Circus cartoon had young Dolly sharing this piece of advice with her younger brothers—“Remember—no running in the house if an adult is watching.”

That seems to be the mindset of many adults when it comes to our own behavior. The main priority is to not get caught. Don’t speed…if there may be a police officer nearby. Don’t cheat on your taxes…if you think there is a chance you might get audited. Don’t litter…if there is someone watching.

While many are simply striving not to get caught engaging in bad behavior, we should strive for something nobler. We should make it our goal to do the right thing, even when no one is watching.

Keep in mind, of course, that God is always watching! No one else may see our bad behavior, but we can’t hide anything from God.

“Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!”—James 5:9.

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”—1 John 1:8-9.