Bible Reading: Song of Solomon 6-8; Galatians 1
Memory verse: “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 (NKJV)
The bible severally admonished us not to be men pleasers in anything, but be God-pleasers in everything we do. Man was originally created to worship and give God glory. But many men now want to take the place of God in their little sphere of influence in offices, churches, work places, etc. The effect of this is that a lot of people now want to please or gain the favour of these few who tried to put themselves in the place of God. But what does the bible say about this?
The reign of King Saul was cut short because he chose to please men instead of God. Saul’s behaviour was all the more surprising because he was the king! Normally, the lesser would want to please the greater, but Saul chose to please the people around him rather God who made him king. What was the result? 1Samuel 15:26 (NKJV), “But Samuel said to Saul, “I will not return with you, for you have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel.” Saul lost his throne because he chose to please men rather than God (1 Samuel 15:24).
The disciples of Jesus were arrested and warned not to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ again for they have filled the whole of Jerusalem with their teachings. But their response threw the religious leaders of the day off guard. “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men” Acts 5:29 (KJV). The result is that God made them stronger in their walk till they left the earth. You cannot not please God and men at the same time. Paul put it to all in Galatians 1:10 (NKJV), “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” That singular act of seeking to please men is another way of chosing man over God.
Whenever issues arise that pitches you between pleasing man and pleasing God, no matter the place and whatever you do, remember Colossians 3:22-23 (KJV), “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”
Prayer: Dear Father, I receive grace to always put You first in everything I do in Jesus name.
Bro. Worthmore Aghanenu