In every introductory communications workshop or class, some version of “imagine your audience” as you speak or write is part of the first session.
Of course, for the Christian communicator, our preeminent audience is God, as whatever we do is seen and heard by the one who made us and gave us the ability to do anything.
However, from an earthly standpoint, we communicate with other people. And the concept of “imagining your audience” as you prepare what to say or write is an important part of being effective and fruitful. But we might be overlooking the one audience member who will inevitably be affected most by what you say or write.
You.
If you write your memoir, you are not just chronicling a life and its lessons learned. The act of writing it down will also help you heal from hurts, as looking back always reveals how God was working throughout. Whether it is published or not, you will never forget your journey to faith and healing because you captured it in words. You likely want to ease the reader’s pain by telling your story; but first, it is your pain that will be eased. (See last scenes of the film Field of Dreams.)
God has made every Christian endeavor to work this way; in everything we do, we are transformed.
When you disciple others, you grow in your faith and are discipled.
Prayer changes things, especially you, as you humble yourself before a holy God.
When you encourage others, you are encouraged in return.
When you help someone through a difficult time, you are strengthened for your challenging times.
When you give money to a ministry, you are reminded about what is truly important by investing in the imperishable.
The best way to learn is to teach.
God always uses the work of a Christian author to transform them, while sometimes using their work to transform others.
Earlier this year, I took the same online spiritual gift assessment that I first took in 2005. During those twenty years, my life was marked by a mix of ups and downs, as well as victories and failures. However, when I realized that God had replaced my top two spiritual gifts from 2005 with two completely different ones, it reminded me that God does indeed transform us through the process of living our lives.
You might have spent years pondering and studying the Scriptures to write your book. How could that ever be a waste of time? Read Isaiah 55:10-12 if you need a reminder. A book is not the only possible positive outcome. If a publisher does not pick your book proposal, you learn that it was the process of writing it that molded and discipled you.
In addition, when you work with an editor, you learn humility and how the body of Christ works.
When you can’t think of what else to write, maybe it is God emptying you of yourself so He can speak into you the words to write next.
When you adhere to deadlines, you learn about fulfilling your commitments.
If your book doesn’t sell well, you learn humility and thank God for the opportunity.
If your book sells well, you learn about your humble responsibility to others and give the glory to God.
So, when you fill out the section of a book proposal for “describe the audience,” just write down the expected demographic that agents and publishers desire.
But smile when typing, knowing the most significant effect of your work will be on you.