Do everything in love.

 1 Corinthians 16:14

I recently heard an interview with a musician who had the great honor of playing with Louis Armstrong, one my musical heroes. He told of a time when he was in a recording studio with Louie. Louie seemed to interact with an imaginary audience as he sang or played his trumpet. At one point, he completely switched “audiences” as he began to sing the hymn, “Just a Closer Walk with Thee”. He shut out everything and wholeheartedly sang to Jesus. He went from an imaginary audience of many to a very real, always listening audience of one. The others wanted his secret. How could he go from performing to singing so personally to Jesus? As a musician myself, his answer is one of the most beautiful I’ve heard. He said, “I always play for somebody I love. That’s all! You play for somebody you love, and you don’t worry about anything else. Because you see, when you play for somebody you love, you automatically try to do the best you can because you love that person. If you remember anything else, remember this: You’re special. God gave you an incredible gift, and He’s watching you develop it. And you play for somebody you love every time you play your instrument. Whether you’re practicing alone, with a small group, or with a big band, play for somebody you love.”

Wow! What if we all took that advice and start living like that for Jesus? What if we intentionally speak, work, teach, connect, serve, sing, and play with ONLY Jesus as our audience of one? What if we stop worrying about who might be judging us and making incorrect assumptions? What if we all truly stop focusing on pleasing people and fitting in and focus on our love for our Savior instead? What a difference THAT will make! If we do everything for Jesus, it will point others to His heart instead of our own. It will ensure that we automatically give everything our best because everything we do is for LOVE Himself (1 John 4:8). After all, the greatest person to ever walk on this earth deserves the greatest efforts from every single person He put here. 
So get out there and do everything for the glorious Savior you love! That’s all! If you remember anything else, remember this: You’re special! God gave you an incredible gift (faith), and He’s watching you develop it. And whether you are alone or with a small group of people or with a large crowd, follow Louie’s example—do everything in love. You are loved!