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My theology is simple. I believe God is infinite, all-powerful, ever-present, and good.

Recently, I’ve heard people talk about doing things “only for an audience of One.” On the surface this looks like a great idea, because it surely seems right to try to honor and please God. But let’s think through it a little more deeply.

Let’s start off thinking where this could be problematic. I remember the Unibomber in Oklahoma saying God told him to do it. That was for what he thought was his “audience of One,” but was it really? It matters who God is for you, it seems to me. If your idea of God is vindictive, vengeful, or wrathful, and you try to please that Spirit, it is not so great in my book.

Also, there are legitimate times for other audiences. The best example that comes to me right now is a teacher whose motives are to help students. They are planning what they do specifically for the edification of others. This is right and good.

However, I think the idea that is intended by this phrase is that it shouldn’t all be be about you– to do what you do for higher reasons. Many people spend a lot of energy worrying over “what other people would think,” or thinking they need to defend their reputation, or modulating their authentic selves to fit in with the tyranny of the crowd.

Fortunately, I don’t do that. If I did, I wouldn’t risk doing abstract art, or being multi-faceted, nor would I be so honest and transparent on this blog. If you are worried about being misunderstood, it can be a stifling straight jacket.

Knowing I’m answering to a wonderful God that only allows good for me, frees me from spending a thimble-full of energy on getting validation from others. Validation from others is a sink hole and a trap, because we are all unique, and they by definition are not you. That means they are not really in a position to judge you, and can only ever approximate an understanding you. God, being infinite, has created fabulous variety, and that fact can make life both interesting and rewarding. Lean into that.

It is very freeing leaving behind the opinions of others, to simply be guided instead by your highest sense of right. No one else ever needs to know all the good you do. With an intention to be our most aligned, authentic self, what we do and who we are will both approach and please the divine.

And if we want to take a plunge into deep metaphysics, all is One anyway, one Mind, one Life, and one Love. Each of us reflects that One. We can’t help it; it is ultimately the way we are wired, and sooner or later, each of us will drop the hubris of resisting that. With everyone manifesting and expressing the all-good God, what other audience is there ever anyway? How can any of us get away from infinite all?

So I think it is more helpful to keep your eye on the good and true, focus on what is intrinsically yours to do without fretting about how others will respond to your authenticity, and to stay humble as a faithful servant of supreme good. Watch your motives, exude God-like qualities and attributes, and be mindful of, praise, and protect God’s glorious creation. You’ll find you need no human validation, when working on those genuine, lofty goals.

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