Audience: Who Do You Love? (Part 8: Consequences)
Once upon a time there was an archery contest. The first archer, wearing a long cape covering his face, lines up in position… He takes a deep breath and fires an arrow which finds the center of the target. Then he takes of his cape and screams: I AM…… ROBIN HOOD!!! The crowd cheers!
The second archer with a cape lines up in position. He fires his arrow which hits the center and cuts Robin Hood’s arrow into two!!! He takes off his cape and screams: I AM…… WILLIAM TELL!!!!!! The crowd cheers!!
Finally, a third man in cape lines up in position… He fires his arrow but it goes all wrong!!! It flies past the crowd and kills the king!!! Then the man takes off his cape and screams: I AM…… SORRY!!! [Source: many internet sites].
What does this joke teach about hitting the right target audience? The first two archers represent believers that identify the correct target audience. Other Christians observe their impact and rejoice greatly.
The third archer illustrates what occurs when believers misidentify their target audience. First, the target audience misses out on Gods intended impact. God created you to make a difference in the lives of others or in the world around you. That change doesnt occur.
Next, the believers meant to serve the audience never receive the blessing God planned for them. Their ministry will be less fruitful and they will be less fulfilled in serving. Additionally, God will raise up another believer to take their place.
Third, the cause of Christ is hurt by missing the designated target audience. A need remains unmet; a certain problem isnt solved; an issue continues to be resolved; and the world fails to improve. Moreover, valuable time is wasted that can never be regained.
Finally, failing to influence the correct target audience is sin. God made person to serve a specific audience. Missing the mark is sin. Eventually it will result confession and redirection to the right audience.
The diagram below visually depicts the connection between your spiritual gift(s) and your audience.
Give your gift to your audience and you will be blessed, as well as being a blessing to others. The next post will be the final one in this series. It will focus on the blessing you receive from serving the correct audience.
© 2010 Designed to Serve®
Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.
