Recently, the Elementary School I work at has installed a program where the teachers can see what each of their students are doing online. I’ve enjoyed seeing the children’s reactions when their teachers explain, “Now I see everything all of you are doing. I can tell if you go to a site you’re not supposed to, or if you’re working. I can see both what screen you’re on and the tabs you have open.”

The overall response has been, “That’s scary.” In one class a couple of boys immediately started typing and asking, “Can you see what I’m typing?” (messages along the lines of, “You’re the best,” and, “I love you.”)

In one way, I understand–the idea of being watched is scary. But this is not spying. This is taking school devices provided for school projects under school rules and guidelines and holding the students accountable for using them correctly. There is nothing sneaky about it. The teachers are very upfront about what is going on. They are responsible for knowing and directing what is going on. They want the students to be motivated to do what’s right.

It reminds me of how God watches us. He tells us so in His word.

“For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and He ponders all his paths.” (Proverbs 5:21)

“The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3)

Not only that, but the kids’ response makes me think of how we are told to fear the LORD. That is exactly the type of fear we are to have: sobering, respectful, motivating to do right, and coupled with love.

God sees. He watches. But He is not spying. He is watching over and working things out to come out right in the end. He tells us because He wants us to choose right and seek Him. There are no secrets; He sees it all.