THE SENSE OF ONESELF has a place, but your identity in Christ is more vital to your existence.
Just as the writer writes for the audience of one, life also must be lived for the audience of One.
The Narrative
MOSES WAS AT SINAI taking care of his Father-in-law's flock when he saw a strange sight – the bush was on fire but did not burn, and he stepped aside to look. (Exodus 3)
God called out to him, "Don't come any closer. Remove your sandals from your feet. You're standing on holy ground."
'I have seen the sufferings of my people, and I have come to deliver them.'
A Somebody
GOD TOLD MOSES that he was sending him to Pharaoh to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt to the Promised land.
"I am a nobody," replied Moses. (Exodus 3:11)
If you had felt inadequate when God called you, it's because you are.
The presence of God in your life is what makes you adequate for what he wants you to do.
After all, 'God works in you to will and to do of His good pleasure.' (Philippians 2:13)
God came into Moses' life to make him a 'somebody' and teach him how to live for the audience of one.
He said, "I'll be with you. And this will be proof that I am the one who sent you: When you have brought my people out of Egypt, you will worship God right here at this very mountain."
These are some ways to live for the audience of One:
Be Humble
IT'S EASY TO SEE PRIDE in others but not ourselves.
When we think we've done so much for God, and he has done little in return, we are prideful. (Romans 9:20)
Pride also shows itself as ingratitude.
When Israel grumbled at Moses, they were ungrateful to God. (Numbers 14:1-4) However, gratitude punches a hole in discontent.
A person who talks too much about him/herself is proud. (Galatians 6:3; Proverbs 27:2)
Jesus showed us how to be humble.
'And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.' (Philippians 2:8)
Focus on the Goal
AUTHORS WRITE FOR THE AUDIENCE of one because it helps them focus and stay on point.
Paul advised us to focus on God.
He wants us to forget the things that are behind and press forward to the things that are ahead – the prize of the upward call of God in Christ. (Philippians 3:14)
Be the Light
TO LIVE AS THE LIGHT of the world, you must walk in obedience to God's word.
You must be a doer of the word and not a hearer only. (James 1:22)
And do not develop partnerships with those who reject God. (2 Corinthians 6:14)
Be Anxious for Nothing
ANXIETY WILL ROB YOU of today's strength and make you worry about tomorrow.
But God wants you to be anxious for nothing. (Philippians 4:6-7)
He wants you to move from fear to faith.
"The man with a cross no longer controls his destiny; he lost control when he picked up his cross. That cross immediately became to him an all-absorbing interest, an overwhelming interference. No matter what he may desire to do, there is but one thing, he can do; that is, move toward the place of crucifixion"—A.W. Tozer.
BRINGING IT TOGETHER
MOSES NEEDED TO UNDERSTAND that it wasn't about him – his abilities, but God.
When you understand that you are nothing without Him, living for Him becomes a priority.
And to make your life count here, you must live for the audience of One – Jesus Christ