Circumspect

Exodus 23:13
“And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.”

We live in times when most people are not aware of what is going on around them. When you walk through public places, you often see people so wrapped up in their phones that they don’t know what others are doing around them. Needless to say, this generation inattentive and thoughtless in their actions.

Throughout the years, I have worked with many people that I have had to think for them. It is sad that many people don’t have the ability to think about the next step in a project because they are only focused on the one action that they are doing and don’t consider everything else that is going on around them. One of the things that creates friction in the workplace are people whose actions must be continuously guided because they can’t think for themselves.

The verse above says, “And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect…” Being circumspect is being aware of everything around you. It literally means to look around to see all sides of what is happening. The reason most people are so thoughtless and inattentive of their actions is because they are not circumspect in all that they do. Let me give you a few thoughts that will help you to be circumspect in all that you do.

First, you are not living in your little world. Too many people are living in their little world, and they can’t see everyone else around them. There are other people in your world other than you, and though you may not know them, they walk around you and are in your world. You will never be circumspect in all that you do until you realize there are many people in your world that your actions affect.

Second, be aware of your surroundings. Being circumspect is watching the next step of others around you. The circumspect driver of a vehicle is always trying to determine the moves of other drivers around them. If you lived your life like you are driving a car, you would be aware of others around you and would be considerate of them with all that you do. The biggest reason most people are inconsiderate is because they are so self-absorbed that they are not aware of the others around them.

Third, give full attention to all that is going on. My friend, you must give your full attention to everything that you do if you are going to be circumspect in life. Part of the reason you fail to be circumspect is because you are not giving your full attention to what you are doing. It is good to be focused on what you are doing, but it is better to give your full attention to everything that is going on around you. You will be a better contributor to what you are doing when you give your full attention to what you are doing and to everything that others are doing around you.

Fourth, look ahead instead of focusing on the present. Always think of the next step you are going to take. Consider how the present step affects the future steps of others. Being circumspect is not just watching the step that you take, but it is also being aware of the next steps that you take. Compromise would be avoided by many if they considered the affects of the present steps on their future actions. God can use you more if you are circumspect in all that you do.

Author: Allen Domelle