“Applause felt like approval, and it became a drug that soothed the pain, but only temporarily” ~ Anita Baker

Who are you trying to impress? How important is for you to gain the approval of others? Ouch! If I’m truly honest with myself, I’d have to admit that I do try to impress others and seek their approval. I’m a “people person” and like most “people person” people, it’s important for me to try and please people. When I catch myself defaulting to this tendency, I try to shift my priority to simply pleasing an audience of One. After all, what matters most and in fact the only thing that matters, is for Jesus to say: “Well done my good and faithful servant.” (Matt 25:21 NLT)

The Apostle Paul was instructing the believers in Ephesus about godly living, and he taught this principle to help them develop “an audience of One” perspective:

“Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” (Ephesians 6:7 NLT)

In the Psalms, David expresses his desire to worship God and glorify Him in all that he does. Through all the ups and downs of David’s life, he kept coming back to his humble desire to seek to please God above all else. This must be a conscious mindset: desire to please God more than anything else.

Here’s a simple approach to gaining “an audience of One” mindset: You must begin by acknowledging that God is already doing great things all around you. Focus on how much of an awesome blessing it is for God to invite you to be a part of His work. When we see ourselves as instruments in the hands of the Master, it helps us focus our attention on pleasing Him. He then becomes the only audience that matters. Let me encourage you to start your work today with this simple prayer of David:

“For you are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God. Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever.” (Psalm 86:10-12 NASB)

The truths of this prayer will help you start your day with an audience of One perspective. Remind yourself throughout the day to keep your priority on pleasing God through all you do and say. Take note of how this mindset affects your decisions and how you respond to others. If you want to take this concept to the next level, share this challenge with the rest of your team and ask them to hold you accountable.

God has invited you to join Him in His work today. He is in your audience, seek only His approval. Make this proclamation to God and with your team as you begin your day: “Today I will serve an audience of One!”