Audience Of One In 2011

As we come toward the end of 2010 and look toward 2011, look back over this last year and ask yourself, ” What did I do in 2010?”

Did you do anything really special or worthy remembering? Did you receive special recognition, a pat on the back, a raise or a standing ovation? Does any of that really count when you stand, one day, before the Lord?

The better question might be, ” Are you living and working and performing for an audience of One?”

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

Think about this for a moment. Did you host a party this year or a family get together? When you went to clean the house, did you clean it especially well because all your friends were going to see where you lived or do you always clean that well? What would you do if you knew Jesus was coming to your door? As Christians, we should be doing everything as though we are doing it for the Lord, whether anyone sees it or not, always do everything as though you are working for the Lord.

“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ³ But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:2-4 (NIV)

Did you give to charity this year? Do you want to help people in need or is it a tax write-off? It is good to be known as a generous, selfless person with a loving, giving heart, however, it's a different story if you give just to be noticed or to get something back in return.

This past Christmas, I enjoyed watching the Veggie Tales Saint Nicholas – A Story of Joyful Giving. It teaches children and reminds the adults to share with those in need. It also stresses the fact that if you are going to do something to help someone out, do it in secret so that only you and God know about it. You can secretly enjoy the effect the surprise has on the recipient, but never let them know it was you. This also keeps that person from being embarrassed because you helped them meet the needs they could not meet themselves.

This year, don't make resolutions. If changes need to be made, make them. Just do it. If you aren't already doing so, put God first in your life in 2011. Perform, work and live for the Audience of One.