It is common for Christian’s to say that they act for an audience of one. We do what we do for God and His glory. Of course, this is not always true. Motives get confused and we desire glory, praise, and recognition.
Sometimes I get discouraged that my ministry has not grown or that I haven’t sold more books. I get distracted by the numbers and forget that I am to act for an audience of One! I learned a valuable lesson about this recently.
I minister to women in a small group setting. I teach a Bible study each week for a group of about 6 or 8 women. And of course, I do not know what they are really learning. I do not know what they apply to their lives and what changes their heart. I just keep sharing because I know that God’s Word changes hearts and lives.
“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.” (Psalm 19:7–10, ESV)
Although I go each week and teach, there are times I get my eyes off the goal. The goal is to please God. In obedience, I play to the audience of One. But I realized there was another audience of one I also act for, the individual to whom I am ministering.
One woman in particular, Sara, taught me the importance of ministering to one. She has been attending our group for years, on and off. She was belligerent and disruptive when she first came. We continued to show love to her. I continued to teach the Word of Truth. She understood the Gospel, but it took a while before she was willing to bend her will and trust him.
Praise God. Sara now knows Jesus as her personal Savior and is learning to walk with Him daily. This miracle in one life has spurred me on. It has encouraged me. It reminded me that my ministry to one matters. It has eternal significance.
If I use my talents and gifts to reach only one other person, it is profitable. One more soul saved by the grace of God. One more heart filled with the love of Jesus. It will be another voice who is speaking the truth in love. Another life transformed and bringing glory to God. What a joy to have another Christian brother or sister to enjoy life with.
It is good to play for an audience of one.