Some years ago a popular TV program used a hidden camera to secretly film some humorous or embarrassing situations which were unrehearsed and often contrived. In each episode the unsuspecting individuals were lured into some stupid behavior, and at that time someone shouted, "Smile, you're on candid camera," much to the embarrassment of the victims. They were always rewarded with gifts for being good sports, but, frankly, I was offended because the whole concept was based on deception and the invasion of privacy.

Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, had a dream of a great tree whose height reached to heaven. It had beautiful leaves and abundant fruit that furnished food for everyone. The beasts liked its shade and the birds liked its branches. Suddenly a holy being cried, "chop the tree down and cut off its branches, strip off its leaves, and scatter the fruit, but leave the stump and roots." Daniel was asked to interpret the dream, and he told the king that he was that tree, and unless he changed his ways, his power would be taken away; he would be exiled; he would become demented and live like a beast for seven years, after which time his kingdom would be restored. Daniel counseled him to humble himself, break off his sins, show mercy to the poor and his dream might not come true (Dan. 4:13-27). But Nebuchadnezzar didn't take Daniel's advice, and twelve months later, as he was strolling on the balcony of his palace, he proudly boasted of his power and honor, and a voice spoke to him from heaven, "King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you!" (Dan. 4:31). That very hour the words of the holy watcher were fulfilled, and Nebuchadnezzar became like a beast of the field for seven years so that he would know that the Most High rules in the kingdoms of men.

Yes, the holy watchers, who are probably angels, are on duty day and night, they neither slumber nor sleep, and they have been mandated to record every thought, every word, and every action for the books of heaven. We will be judged by what is in that record, and when the books are opened, our whole life will be laid bare before a heavenly court. Perhaps we should learn from Nebuchadnezzar's experience and the counsel of Daniel. "All who walk in pride He is able to abase" (Dan. 4:37). We would be wise to take heed to the words of the apostle Paul and the prophet Micah: "Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." "All the Lord requires of us is to do justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with God" (Heb. 12:1, Micah 6:8, NKJV). That's good advice because, like it or not, "you're on candid camera."