Approval – Audience of One

Overseas, a well known musician dazzled an audience for over an hour in the palm of his hand as he performed near perfection. When he was done, the packed auditorium arose to their feet with thunderous applause offering him a standing ovation that lasted another six minutes. It is proper protocol after receiving such praise that the one on stage give a bow to return the thanks for the gracious response. Looking more like a “deer in the headlights” opposed to an entertainer who just dominated a performance the crowd went from cheering him to jeering him with boo’s, negative remarks and even stooped so low as to throw objects at him on stage.

The musician searched almost frantically towards the balcony scanning anyone and everyone hoping to put his eyes on one person he hoped would be in attendance. The lights were so bright that it was almost impossible for him to see those seated in the balcony but despite the insults and barrage of bottles thrown his way he finally found who he was looking for. His mentor and the Master Conductor was in the house to witness his performance and to his delight he was actually applauding.

For the musician, it was not that he was arrogant or aloof towards the crowds initial clapping and their appreciation of his art. All that mattered to him was what did his mentor, Master and Musical Legend think. One can have the approval of a “crowd” but if Christ is not pleased we are failing, losing out and going through the motions. Worse, we are spinning our wheels as if riding a bicycle without a chain. Jesus said: “Some folks have already received their reward for their much speaking, praying loud and long or publicly preaching with wrong motives.”

All of us long for attention, acceptance and approval. One mistake many make (even ministers in ministry) buy the lie that crowds equal success. Often quite the contrary. As my brother from another mother, Dr Ergun Caner recently reminded me in Louisville, KY that “big crowds” don’t mean a strong church. This applies to youth pastors, senior pastors, church planters, missionaries, Sunday School teachers and all those who desire daily to live for the Lord.

The late, great Dr Adrian Rogers said: “God never asked us to fill the auditorium but fill the pulpit.” Success is in Christ and Him alone. Today, may we pause as Christians, clergy and kids of the King and take an inventory of where we are at in our walk with God. The Bible is clear: “If God be for you – who can be against you?” I would much rather be a minority with the Lord than a majority with the world. Leadership is lonely, critics can be cruel, denominations debate and divide over details but learn to block out the crowd, tune out the negativity, gaze towards God, set your sights on the Savior and look to the Lord because it matters most what the Almighty thinks of you.

It’s always about the audience of One and because He loved us enough to celebrate us in His death may we live for him with our life as an act of adoration and applause. Since childhood, I wanted to be like the lone leper who came back to say “thank you” to the Lord for healing him, helping him and bringing Heaven to his world. All ten were touched by the Master but only one came back to say “thanks.” Yes, Christ cheers us on but I want to be one of the faithful few who cheer Him on. No longer tempted to “sell out” but stand up, not build a church but help expand His Kingdom, not for a platform but the assurance that the cross of Christ is more relevant than ever, souls still need saving and that only Jesus is worthy or our worship. He made much of us – let us make much of Him.