Know Your Audience by TonyaAnn Pember

Know Your Audience

by TonyaAnn Pember

“So then, as Christians, do you have any encouragement? Do you have any comfort from love? Do you have any spiritual relationships? Do you have any sympathy and compassion? Then fill me with joy by having the same attitude and the same love, living in harmony, and keeping one purpose in mind. Don’t act out of selfish ambition or be conceited. Instead, humbly think of others as being better than yourselves. Don’t be concerned only about your own interests, but also be concerned about the interests of others”

(Philippians 2:1-4, (GWT).

As writers, we constantly seek to improve our craft. We keep abreast of publishing trends, submission calls, and the business of writing. Experts admonish us to “know your audience.” Every proposal outline includes a section for “target audience.”

God calls each Christian writer to share a unique message to a specific audience. Some of us deliver encouragement, comfort, or compassion. Some of us impart spiritual insights or instructions for godly living. The fiction writers among us imbed messages in their stories. With such a variety of messages and messengers, the publishing arena holds many possibilities for launching our writings to the world.

Paul wrote to the believers in Phillipi. He offered encouragement, insights, and instruction through his written words.. Today’s segment of that letter, now known as chapter two of Philippians, speaks to me as a writer.

What does my audience need? How can I serve them? What is the message God has for me to share with a specific audience?

I examine my heart to ensure I write for others, not out of “selfish ambition.” Ambition isn’t inherently wrong. Paul warns against selfish ambition, which puts my wants and needs above others and above my calling. When I prepare to write, I should envision my readers and their needs.

Father, forgive me when selfish ambition and conceit creeps into my writing. Make me concerned with others. May my message give encouragement, comfort, sympathy, and compassion. Amen.

TonyaAnn is the author of Inside Story: 52 Weeks in the Word, a genre Bible reading plan with historical and cultural notes. She writes for The Old Schoolhouse, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Power for Living, and CBN among others. An Oklahoma teacher, she frequently ‘guest teaches’ in her Colorado retirement. Learn more about her @tonyaann.com or TonyaAnnWriter @ Facebook/Instagram