Several years ago I heard the story of a young brilliant concert pianist. He was giving his first professional performance of his career. As he played skilfully and brilliantly the audience sat in rapt attention, absorbing every note. Finally at the end of a magnificent performance the audience exploded to a standing ovation. In the midst of the ovation the young pianist left the stage shoulders downcast, crest fallen and dejected.
The stage manager came to him full of congratulations and praise but the young musician remained despondent. “I am no good” the young man exclaimed. “It was a failure”. The stage manager responded, “Nonsense. It was tremendous, everyone was on their feet and applauding, except for just one old man.” The young concert pianist replied, “Yes, but that old man is my piano teacher.”
This story should remind us that our service to Jesus Christ is to be motivated by one factor and one factor alone; Our love for the Master, His Word and His approval. For there are many in their Christian walk, who look for and seek the approval of men and those around them. For you see, society wants and measures success by power, position, prestige and numbers. They seem to say if you dress just so, drive this make of car, join the right health club, live in the right part of town, or are seen by just the right people you will be considered accepted and “in”.
God is not looking for the right address, or the right clothes in the latest styles, or even the right vocabulary. God’s eyes are searching for the right heart.
Therefore, in our obedience, our worship and our service the applause and approval of men really means nothing. Only what Jesus says will be the deciding factor. Under the threat of imprisonment, the apostle Peter responds in Acts 5:29, “we must obey God rather than men.”
So as we travel this highway called life under the umbrella of Christianity, we must remember that “the master is in the audience.” As Christians we are called to follow the Master, Jesus Christ. Yes, not even the government, when it goes against our Lord Jesus or God’s Holy Word. We are not to follow man-made traditions, philosophies or even religions. As Christians we are called to listen and follow ONE voice. The MASTER!
(PASTOR LEONARD NAVARRE)