When I read today’s scripture verse, I had to ask myself a very hard question. Am I a people pleaser more than I am a God pleaser? In other words, am I more motivated in the decisions I make, the actions I take, and the words I speak to please people or to please God?
I have to be honest and say that, more often than not, I choose to please people. It usually is not a conscious decision. My natural inclination is to want to please others. I am not typically a “boat rocker” so, if some conversation, for example, is a little inappropriate, I might stay silent if it will keep everyone else happy. There are moments when I have spoken up or walked away, but too many times I have remained silent and stayed in place.
The Bible tells us we are in this world but not of this world. As Christians, we are here with everyone else but we are not to be like everyone else. We should never compromise our beliefs or standards just to win the approval of others. We are to be a light shining in the darkness for all to see. Be a powerful witness for Christ through your words and actions so that you will not cause others to stumble. This is how you please God, even though it will not always please people!
Galatians 1:10 (NLT) - "Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.”