Audience of One

Who’s in Your Audience?

“For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” 2 Corinthians 10:18 ESV

“When we want human approval and esteem and do what we do for the sake of it, God courteously stands aside because, by our wish, it does not concern him.” David G. Benner

One of my most difficult challenges is seeking approval. We all want to be approved and accepted, which is a part of our design, but when we seek it from others, we’ll go off the rails. We always have an audience of one: the Father.

Why am I seeking approval? Sometimes I honestly want to please Mr. Black Sheep. I have to admit, he’s pretty easy to please. I made a summertime meal of pulled pork, potato salad and watermelon. You would have thought he won the lottery! The compliments and acknowledgment kept me happy all day. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wanting to please your mate.

But… If I’m manipulating the approval with a needy heart, we’re both going to be resentful. For instance, I’m having a tough day and Mr. Black Sheep wants to go have a beer with his son. I’d prefer to have him be with me and say good things to cheer me up, but sometimes I need to handle my tough day on my own. But I’m not alone—I’m with the Father. Mr. Black Sheep needs some “guy time” with his son, who works a lot of tough hours during the summer because he’s building houses.

I still have Someone. And I don’t want the Father to stand aside, especially when I’m seeking approval like a starving person. Example: A surgeon was asked how he stood the long and traumatic hours of residency. He stated that it was very difficult on him and his family but the training makes him an instinctive and automatic healer because of the long and grueling days. He can work quickly, automatically and with focus because of this training. I want that kind of healing!

Seeking the Father first becomes instinctive and automatic with practice. He’s always there. He knows all the details and challenges. He’s the first to approve and assist. He knows us best. We always have an audience of one. We become instinctive and automatic healers in the Kingdom of God—and approved.

Musings

We always have approval because of what Jesus did for us. We may not always have approval for our behaviors. But just like the surgeon, we go to the Father instinctively and automatically to heal and become a little bit more like Jesus.

Prayer

Dear Father,

How often do we forget you’re always with us, even though you promised this? Help us remember we are approved because of Your Son, especially when feeling needy and scared. Thank you for approving us even when and maybe especially when we’re not aware. May drawing close to you become instinctive and automatic.

Amen.