Galatians 1:10 (NIV)
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.
An old fable that has been passed down for generations
tells about an elderly man who was traveling with a boy and a donkey. As they
walked through a village, the man was leading the donkey and the boy was
walking behind. The townspeople said the old man was a fool for not riding, so
to please them he climbed up on the animal's back.
When they came to the next village, the people said the
old man was cruel to let the child walk while he enjoyed the ride. So, to
please them, he got off and set the boy on the animal's back and continued on
his way.
In the third village, people accused the child of being
lazy for making the old man walk, and the suggestion was made that they both
ride. So the man climbed on and they set off again.
In the fourth village, the townspeople were indignant at
the cruelty to the donkey because he was made to carry two people. The
frustrated man was last seen carrying the donkey down the road.
You can't please everyone! And can be very frustrating to
even try to do so because it's physically impossible. The truth of the matter
is, even if we could please everyone, we shouldn't. In fact, trying to please
others can distract from the One we should be pleasing, if we're not careful.
Though Paul was certainly mindful of the feelings of others,
he wrote:
"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of
God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I
would not be a servant of Christ."
Do you find that everyone isn't pleased with your decisions?
The good news is as long as you're
seeking to please God that is what really matters!
Dear Lord, help us make decision that bring honor to You.
Help us not be swayed by those around us and trying to please everyone. In Jesus’
Name, Amen.
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