We all know those people. We work with them, they’re family members, or even professional entertainers. There are just some folks that thrive in the presence of an audience. They like to be funny. They like to tell stories. They gather a crowd no matter where they go. Truthfully, I like to be around people like that. I enjoy the laughter and entertainment. My brother is one of my very favorite people to be around. He has always made me laugh since we were kids. He tends to always draw a crowd because he’s gifted with a sense of humor that makes people smile. God designed us to be in community with others. Some of us are extroverts and some are introverts. No matter which category you fall into, God has equipped you with gifts and talents to help others. He knew that life would need a support system.
Let’s first get this out of the way. God does not love you any more or any less based on your performance. His giftings to you are for His glory. He wants you to use your God given talents and abilities to honor Him. He can and does use people in your life to bless you and vice versa but the blessing always comes from Him. He should be our focus when making decisions because He alone is the reason we even have our existence. For in him we live and move and exist (Acts of the Apostles 17:28 NLT). Jesus should always be our primary audience.
Sometimes when we step out to serve Jesus, people don’t always agree with it. You have to make a fundamental decision. Do I care more about what people think than what Jesus thinks? One such example in the Bible is Mary, who loved Jesus. Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance (John 12:3 NLT). Judas made a comment about that perfume being very expensive and could have been sold to give to the poor. Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial.” (John 12:7 NLT) She wanted to give Jesus her best. She wasn’t worried about what others thought. She was in her own world being led to do what her heart was telling her to do. Jesus knew both the heart of Mary and the heart of Judas. Judas didn’t understand this act of obedience by Mary because it wasn’t his calling. The Bible says he wasn’t concerned about the poor anyway. He looked at this display of affection as a waste. Mary was being obedient to The Father in Heaven and showering Jesus with loving kindness at this most critical time. But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken (Psalms 33:11 NLT). God will get done what He intends to accomplish. He uses His people.
Any time the Lord is prompting you to do something for Him, step out and do it. You may not receive any credit from people whatsoever and that’s perfectly fine. We need to be obedient to Him to do our part in furthering His Kingdom. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you (Matthew 6:3-4 NLT). This is key! God’s rewards far outweigh that of people. A heart of gratitude is not doing anything for a “reward” anyway. A heart of gratitude desires to be obedient to The One who’s given us everything anyway.
If God has laid on your heart to serve Him in any capacity, do it cheerfully. Just know that He trusts you with whatever it is. Don’t be afraid of backlash from people or getting it wrong. If He’s asking you to be faithful, be faithful. You will be elated with the results. Nothing compares to being used by The Lord. Don’t be concerned with the crowd. Well meaning people may not always understand because it’s not their assignment. We don’t live for crowd approval. We live our lives for an audience of One.
Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.
