Audience: Who Do You Love? (Part 1: Diversity)

The Village of Terra Mundus is a thriving, diverse town of 1,000 people. Next year 18 new residents are expected. This incredible diversity presents tremendous challenges. Take a look at the census statistics below.

Would you like to live in Terra Mundus? It sure would be an exciting place. You’d constantly experience new sights and sounds. Terra Mundus is a virtual mosaic of languages, beliefs, and practices. It certainly wouldn’t be boring.

Then again, living in Terra Mundus might be difficult. People from different races, religions, and income levels don’t always get along so well. There’s a human tendency to dislike anything too different from what is known. Diversity may lead to misunderstandings and even hatred between groups.

So, would you like to live there? Whatever your answer – you really don’t have a choice. You see, you already live there! In Latin “Terra” means earth; “Mundus” means world. Terra Mundus is nothing more than “the world made small.” The statistics above show what the world would look like if there were only 1,000 people.

Our world is incredibly diverse, a trend we can see even in our own country. Social scientists have found that people are more alike than different. We may have different languages, cultures, and customs, but we have the same need for food, water, clothing, and shelter. We need to feel safe and secure physically and emotionally. Love and acceptance are essential needs.  Everyone needs education so they can become contributing members of society. But most importantly, every person needs a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

In today’s world there’s no lack of opportunities for Christians to serve others. There are problems, issues, and needs everywhere you look. In every corner of the globe there are people that are homeless, hungry, ill-clothed, and uneducated. Every nation has its shares of orphans and widows. Prisons are full; crime is increasing; corruption is rampant; and life is devalued.

God saved you to serve a needy world. You are His mouth, His hands, and His feet. God loves every person you have ever locked eyes with and longs to have them come to Him. You are His representative on earth sent to seek and save the lost, and equipped to serve and bless the needy.

God has embedded within you a deep desire to serve one specific Audience. It may be a group of people that you’re drawn to like a magnet. Or it may be a social issue that needs to be addressed. Your “audience” tells you whom to serve. Your spiritual gifts tell you how to serve. And your ministry tells you where to serve.

This next series of posts will focus on the Audience God has called you to serve. By the end of the series you’ll have a much better idea of whom, how, and where you should serve.

© 2011 Designed to Serve®