I was thinking about the saying, “an audience of one” the other day, as it pertains to my mindset for writing my novel. I questioned if that was a biblical concept. Did God only want me to write to please Him or did he have a greater intention? Here are my thoughts.

First, what scripture supports the audience of one concept?

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.

Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭NLT

This verse follows an admonition for slaves to obey their masters. I can’t imagine what being a slave was like, but I have worked for various employers and can relate to times of reluctance to give my full effort. But as I remembered who I was ultimately serving, I willingly put my best foot forward.

In these next verses, God’s greater intentions are revealed.

God has shown you his grace in many different ways. So be good servants and use whatever gift he has given you in a way that will best serve each other. If your gift is speaking, your words should be like words from God. If your gift is serving, you should serve with the strength that God gives. Then it is God who will be praised in everything through Jesus Christ. Power and glory belong to him forever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭ERV

No matter our occupation, the work God gives us is to serve others. When we present ourselves as His, what we do brings Him glory.

This next passage illustrates how an audience of one translates into fruitfulness, which is God’s way of serving others.

Jesus said to his disciples: I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts away every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit. But he trims clean every branch that does produce fruit, so that it will produce even more fruit. You are already clean because of what I have said to you. Stay joined to me, and I will stay joined to you. Just as a branch cannot produce fruit unless it stays joined to the vine, you cannot produce fruit unless you stay joined to me. I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit. But you cannot do anything without me.

When you become fruitful disciples of mine, my Father will be honored.

John‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬-‭5‬, ‭8‬ ‭CEV

Lately, I’ve had trouble staying connected. My mindset for my novel writing has been on getting it right, my perfectionism causing me to freeze in place. But God’s gifts are given to be used for His purposes. We aren’t meant to hold onto them or bury them. And when we work for God, this is the response we will get:

“Wonderful!” his master replied. “You are a good and faithful servant. I left you in charge of only a little, but now I will put you in charge of much more. Come and share in my happiness!”

Matthew‬ ‭25‬:‭21‬ ‭CEV

Whatever your work, it can be for God’s glory. Those you work for, or those you serve, will come to know your true Master.

So don’t hide your light! Let it shine brightly before others, so that your commendable works will shine as light upon them, and then they will give their praise to your Father in heaven.

Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭TPT

To God be the glory!

Grace & Peace,

Sandy

Image from Canva.