Audience of One

Thursday, May 11

Audience of One
By: Lori Ennis

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24

I am a people pleaser. Sigh.
I always have been.
I’m a first-born and a hard worker and a rule-follower and definitely believe that whatever you do, you do it to the best of your ability.

I tell my son this all the time–we do all things in excellence and for the glory of God, because it’s from Him all our gifts and talents come, and for Him they are given.

But, if I am honest, I’m a bit of a hypocrite because while I do believe that and WANT that to be my daily motive–to do all I do for God’s glory–the truth is that all too often I am seeking the approval of every human I know.

Do you sometimes feel less than? Like your best is good enough to meet whatever need is being asked to be met but…when the task is complete, you get the “Thanks!” pat on the head while everyone else gets to go to the after-party? I busy myself with all sorts of good and Godly things, but too often, I spread myself thin and can’t fully be all-in anywhere.

And when you’re not all-in, you often feel left out.

So take a look at where you’re not all-in. I have been. Consider where you may be disappointed because no one notices or applauds it or pays enough or even seems to care and that leaves you asking why you even bother. 

Then really think about whether those things you’re doing are for God’s approval or for man’s. Just because you’re doing a lot of work for His kingdom doesn’t mean you’re doing all you do for HIM.

Because when you truly seek to do all you do for an audience of One, He’ll fill your cup with the joy of the Lord. He is enough, and all the approval we could ever need.