Audience: Who Do You Love? (Part 4: Groups of People)

The dust swirled and the wind whipped as I sat in back of a pickup truck on a rural road in Angola, Africa. I was part of a 15 member mission’s team that was heading into a remote area to build a school. The truck stopped as we were surrounded by a throng of villagers that greeted us with singing and dancing. Later our team members were asked to introduce themselves.

Six months earlier my wife died unexpectedly at age 52; and just 4 months ago I had left my job and career behind me. I looked at the crowd and saw poverty staring me in the face. Faces were old beyond their years. Most villagers wore no shoes. Some used crutches because a leg had been blown off by a land mine. I told the crowd about my recent losses, and continued,

• “I’m here because God told me to come. Now I know why. My heart is breaking because of my losses. But when I look at you, and think of your losses, I know that my sorrows are nothing compared to yours. But I know one thing for sure, ‘It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart . . .’” (Philippians 1:7).

You may also have a group of people in your life that you can say, “I have you in my heart.” It may be a group with whom you share similar life experiences. It could be a group that brings a smile to your face or tears to your eyes. It might be a group that you long to help in some way – meet a need, make improvements, or overcome obstacles. Can you think of a group of people in your life that fits these criteria?

For many believers their Audience is based on age groupings. It may be children, teenagers, young adults, adults, or seniors. My friend Gladys loves children – and they love her. She’s in her mid-70s, but every week you’ll find her checking-in students for Sunday school. She gives hugs to some and pats the heads of others. They all know that Gladys loves them – just like Jesus loves them.

Often believers discover that their Audience is people of the same gender. Women often enjoy helping other women grow in Christ.  The same is true for men. Anthony is starting a once-a-month Saturday morning men’s serving group. The idea is to have a group of men from my church paint fences, rake leaves, clean out basements, or other tasks, for people at church that can’t do it themselves.

Many Christians find their Audiences by noticing their hearts being drawn to people in certain life situations.  My friend Chris has never been in prison, but he cares about men that are incarcerated. He leads Bible studies at a county jail that’s attended by many inmates. Recently he led a man to Christ that is now attending our church.

Another category of Audiences is based on marital status. Singles enjoy being with other singles; couples need the support of other couples; parents need advice from other parents; and those who are divorced can help others going through divorces themselves.

Finally, an Audience may be based on where people are on their spiritual journey. Perhaps you are drawn to unbelievers, seekers, new Christians, or mature believers. George regularly teaches a class at my church called, “The Biggies.”  He invites unbelievers and seekers to come and discuss the “Big Questions” people typically have about Christianity. For example, “Why does a loving God allow suffering in the world?” A number of participants have accepted Christ through this class.

Is there a group of people that you’re drawn to like a magnet? Is there a group you long to help in some way? Which group of people makes you smile – or cry – whenever you think about them? As you consider your answers, perhaps you will identify your own Audience.

© 2011 Designed to Serve®