Entertaining The Audience That Matters Most

A desire to be in the spotlight may not be an interest for everyone, yet something happens when you turn on the video camera, start the filming, and upload the outcome to an online audience of millions. The can of behaviors not typically done in front of family or friends is opened the moment an awareness is made: This is going to make me famous!

Take a look at the most recent posts on YouTube, Twitter, or even Facebook. How many videos have you seen repeating the same notion, but with a twist, all to gain attention. Even our year on television starts off accolading the stars of Hollywood with The People’s Choice Awards, The Golden Globes, The Screen Actor’s Guild. Adding to the list includes The Grammy Awards, and The Oscars. All five shows are just within the months of January and February.

Our cultural norms have morphed from “How May I Help You?” into “Pay Attention To Me!” leaving a generation dying from self-esteem issues, anxiety, depression, and a longing for more, all because they are trying to entertain an audience of the world when they should be concerned about the review of only one; God.

When our focus becomes what others think about us, it drives our self-esteem. The more likes we have, the more positive comments or acknowledgements we receive, the greater our self-esteem becomes. Just the opposite occurs when we do not gain the recognition we believe we deserve. Our self-worth takes a nosedive.

Our recognition and worth cannot come from mortal men since their words are merely temporary. Instead, our true value comes from the one who created us, knows us, and loves us in spite of everything we do against Him. By surrendering our hearts to Jesus Christ, the one who understands exactly what it feels like to be rejected, denied, and shamed, we are able to toss off the comments and mute the voices of the world that constantly reject us.

Do not let the commentators of the world determine your worth. God alone is our soul critic. In the end, we will all have to give account for our choices.

Therefore, “let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3).

Know that you are not alone in this race of life.  God is always your audience even when no one else is looking.  How will you begin to change your life to please Him and not the world?