An Audience of One

I love The Message.  I know this version of the Scriptures is sometimes considered not 'legit', or lacking in power...but, oh, the sense of just being spoken to gently by the Lord...I get that from this Bible.

I Corinthians 4:3-4 in the Message says this:

"It matters very little to me what you think of me, even less where I rank in popular opinion.  I don't even rank myself.  Comparisons in these matters are pointless. I'm not aware of anything that would disqualify me from being a good guide for you, but that doesn't mean much. The Master makes that judgment.  So, don't get ahead of the Master and jump to conclusions with your judgments before all the evidence is in. When He comes, he will bring out in the open and place in evidence all kinds of things we never even dreamed of - inner motives and purposes and prayers.   Only then will any one of us get to hear the "Well done!!" of God."

In another version, the NASV, we read this:

But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself. For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted but the one who examines me is the Lord. Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God."

Do live your life for an audience of one?

Throughout the years of raising children, as they have wanted to do 'great' things publicly, I've often challenged their motives by asking them,  "Are you willing to perform for an audience of One?  Because when you are, then you are ready to play for a much larger audience."

My advice to them was to make sure their motives for fame were based in glorifying God with their talents and not just being big stars one day.  But, this inquiring counsel can also be flipped and used to clear confusion rather than just settle motives.

I was challenged with this idea over the weekend regarding my life decisions, the constant interventions and unsought counsel I receive, and even the counsel I ask for when making decisions. Do I take such counsel and just lay it at the feet of the heavenly Father, waiting upon Him to clearly direct me in ways that have their motive based in pleasing Him and no one else?

Oftimes, as we raise children, make decisions that are not popular, carry out life as single parents, making major household and relational decisions, our decisions are critiqued quite severely.  This has been the case in my own life.  Has it been so for you?  Do you feel under the microscope lens of someone in your life?  Are you incessantly faced with input from folks who malign your decisions, second guess you and cause confusion?  OR have you sought counsel from wise, chosen advisers only to have them give you conflicting advice which brings more confusion than when you started?

Have people in your life passed on gossip they have heard about you as you walk the hard roads you travel?  Are you feeling very judged for your actions, yet you have never wanted to sin in them?

Well, like me, those verses of Scripture above are for you. 

You perform for an audience of One.  The Only One who truly matters.

Common is the action of allowing ourselves to be confused by conflicting advice, even from trusted advisors whom we seek, or by critical counsel unasked for from others, and our own inner voices of second guessing.  There is no peace in such a mental, emotional, or spiritual state.   These are some of the energy robbing reasons we need to perform our life tasks before an audience of One Critic. 

Do you notice I keep using that same phrase?  Audience of One?

When we live our lives with Him in mind as our most beloved observer, we can be at peace.  Many times, He is less demanding, more merciful and less confusing than any human watching our lives could be. 

Please understand I am NOT discussing those choices in life where your actions affect others in ways that would inconvenience, harm, irritate, or take advantage them.  I am only directing my thoughts towards those actions that are about you, your life, your household and your relationships.  These ideas I’m sharing are directed at the arena of life where you are pressed by others to perform in a manner that would please them, appease them, be approved of by them, and satisfy their need to control you, or make sure you are carrying out your spiritual life their way.

When we feel this pressure, we are most miserable and confused. 

But, let our hearts and actions be laid out before the One that loves us most, and our decisions will be easier, less stressful and completely settled in our minds and motives.  No second guessing needed.

I’m preaching to the choir, here, you know.  The motivation for writing tonight is my own frailty in this world of being judged by others and letting them throw me off course.  It is ME that those Scriptures above spoke to so powerfully. 

I serve the One who created me, gives me breath and life, and sent a beloved child to die for me.  His applause is the applause I want to hear the loudest.  What would it matter to hear the roaring praise of a crowd on earth, if my Father is not in that crowd cheering the loudest?  Do I really yearn to please Him enough that if His is the only set of hands I hear clapping, I’d be whole enough to keep performing for Him, even as others booed or threw a tomato or two?

I’m challenged by my own writing here.  I hope you are as well.

For whom do you make your decisions?  As others toss in their advice on your life, or you seek counsel from a few counselors you trust, are you still willing to lay it all at the feet of the heavenly Father and let Him sift through it with you to decide what is best for you, and what will most honor Him in YOUR life?  I didn’t say the life of a friend, or the pleasure of a counselor.  I said, ‘…honor Him with YOUR life.’

He is a merciful Audience.  Perform for Him, and for Him alone.

Your audience of one.

Love you beloved one…Gayle