Are you tired of all the eyes that always seem to be watching you?

1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

God instructs us to be examples to all that see us, whether they are young or old. Our choosing to make wise, God honoring decisions can influence other’s lives to want to know and follow Christ for themselves.

Deference is limiting MY freedom in order not to offend the tastes of those God has called me to serve. Everyone you are instructed to serve – your parents, siblings, neighbors, and church family – all have their own preferences.

A person’s preferences may not mean much to us, but by laying aside what we think is best or most efficient, and honoring their choices or desires, we are in fact demonstrating deference. In simple form, we are preferring others above ourselves.

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Now, I don’t know about you, but personally, giving up my desires and my perfect plans for someone else’s ideas, is not always the easiest. But the only other option often ends up being rude. And rudeness is the exact opposite of deference.

When we think of someone that is rude, we see an unpleasant person that only thinks about themselves. They are inconsiderate, impolite, thoughtless, hurtful and offensive, which is the  definition of rudeness.

Philippians 1:9-10 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

When we find ourselves wanting our own way, we need to remember this command from God.

1 Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

God’s grace will enable us to lay aside our comforts, desires, and freedoms so we can show His love to others in deference. When we do this, we receive a peace that passes all understanding.

So, when those eyes are on you, what will you do? Are you willing to limit your freedoms to follow God and serve others? Are you able to let go of your own desires to be an example to those who watch you? No matter what those eyes are on you. It is up to you what they see.