When I was very young I sang a lot of simple songs about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and Christian living. I grew up attending a Presbyterian church, and we memorized songs that instructed us to live in ways that protected us with increased goodness. Unlike some churches, the messages I received weren’t based on fear or shame, but mostly love and hope.
Many without faith would say that my upbringing (brainwashing) is ridiculous and only a crutch to get through life. But I can see today that some of the verses and songs that I heard over and over again were actually purposeful for my health and wellbeing.
One of those songs went something like this:
Be careful little eyes what you see. Oh, be careful little eyes what you see. For the Lord is up above, and He’s looking down in love. So be careful little eyes what you see.
Be careful little ears what you hear. Be careful little ears what you hear. For the Lord is up above, and He’s looking down in love. So be careful little ears what you hear.
Be careful little hands what you do…
Be careful little feet where you go…
You get the picture.
Yet here I am, 40 years later, still able to recall that silly little song. It was a warning to us little ones to THINK before doing something. Even today, if I didn’t believe that the Lord was watching me from above, reality is that someone (or some computer algorithm) is watching, and our actions and character is constantly being judged. This is life on the Internet. Every single day.
Maybe we should pause to think about some of the things we’re watching on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon. It might be worth our time to consider the images we see on Instagram, TikTok, or SnapChat. I don’t mind much when my son plays rap and hip hop.The beat is good, but much of the lyrics are about painful experiences or fantasies of sex, money, and revenge.
The expletives and pain stick in my brain. I hear the words again and again when the music has stopped.
Be careful little ears what you hear…
Then there’s digital porn. I’ve told my kids, bluntly, that I don’t look at porn because it’s rude, and makes me feel uncomfortable. Plus, I can’t seem to get the images out of my mind. I can’t unsee it.
Be careful little eyes what you see…
And it’s hard to overlook the hurtful comments on Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter. Online bullying has increased horrifically and the number of youth ending their own lives is rising.
Be careful little hands what you do…
What about Chat Rooms?
Be careful little feet where you go…
This childhood song still works for me today. Brainwashing or not, that childhood experience has helped me develop discernment and self-control. Maybe it’s time to bring back that simple song. Who knows, maybe it’s still sung in some churches today. It’s a catchy little tune…and forever in my mind.