Right at 30 years ago, I took a personality survey, which identified me as a "Golden Retriever." The significance of that designation was that I tested positive as a people pleaser. Being a people pleaser has the advantage of people tending to like you. A disadvantage would be that some people would take advantage of you. A greater significance would be that one can be torn between the desire to please people and the call to serve God - those two desires can be polar opposite at times.
Paul set them in bold juxtaposition in Galatians 1:10, "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." Paul is not saying that you cannot please people and God at the same time, but he his clearly insisting that when in conflict, disciples must choose to obey God.
This truth was clearly taught in the apostles' response to being reminded they were instructed to no longer teach in Jesus' name: "Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!" Likewise, we must please God rather than man.
There is a constant pull by others away from God. Sometime it's from our work, sometimes our friends or family, and sometimes the pull is even to please ourselves. Regardless, the answer is the same, we must serve or please God rather than man.
Sometimes it is very difficult to resist that pull. However, it helps to realize that to please God is to serve others for God's will is always best. To give people a model of true discipleship is a wonderful gift that better affords them a glimpse of faith in action. Your righteousness may be the thing that ultimately draws them to Christ. We can either follow people in error or lead them in righteousness.
There is only one good choice, only one sensible decision: please God.
Jus' Sayn.
No comments:
Post a Comment