Richard Nixon is the only president in American history to have resigned from his office. He became the victim of his own recording system. During the hearings on the Watergate affair, a White House staff member was asked if the president's office was equipped with a recording system to automatically record conversations that took place in that office.

The staff member, who testified under oath, confirmed the existence of the recording system. That led to demands for the release of recordings, which eventually led to Nixon's resignation. Nixon's recording equipment was not nearly as sophisticated as the electronic eavesdropping that takes place today. Bugs so small that only a trained eye realizes what they are can be placed in conference centers, offices and hotel rooms to record conversations. And for those who eavesdrop on cell phone conversations, no bug is needed. The conversation can be intercepted via the transmitted signal, as was the case just a couple of years ago with Germany's chancellor.

Those is strategically important positions who suspect that they might be subject to being bugged express themselves carefully. Among friends and with no concern about being overheard, they would probably express themselves quite differently.

We as Christians occupy strategically important positions, because our life is a training session in Godly leadership, preparing us for a responsibility as part of Jesus' government in the world tomorrow.

In Hebrews 4, verse 13 we read: "There is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." God knows what we are doing, no matter where we are, and He doesn't have to spy!

And Jesus said: "By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned" (Matthew 12:37). King David's prayer is just as appropriate for us as it was for him: "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer" (Psalm 19:14).

Whatever we say, remember that God is listening!

With these thoughts I wish everyone a rewarding Sabbath!