Have you ever thought about how much time you spend trying to make people happy? Whether it be your spouse or your supervisor we spend a lot of brain power thinking about how we can please them. When they aren’t satisfied with us, it can send us into a downward spiral. As a Christian, there are going to be times when we have to choose between pleasing people or serving Christ. It will be a difficult decision.
Galatians 1:10
For am I now trying to persuade people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Right Priorities
Paul starts his epistle to the Galatians off by telling them that he isn’t interested in writing a letter that will make them happy; he is interested in teaching them the truth. He also understands that in doing so some of the people in the church won’t be pleased, and that will cause some issues. Now he is not trying to upset them by being rude, but he understands that when you are a servant of God, you can’t always please people.
At the Crossroads
It’s no secret that we care more about what others think than about doing the right thing. Either we don’t want to offend people, or we purposely say things to get their favor. Eventually, we will run into issues when we have to choose whether to be faithful to Jesus or retain the support of those around us. No matter how you strive, you won’t be able to have both. Paul was more interested in being a servant of Christ than he was pleasing people.
Do It with an Attitude of Love
Everything we do should be done in an attitude of love. At no time should we try to offend others in our words or actions, but there will be times where we can’t avoid it. Our top priority should be to serve Christ in love and understand that there will be people who disagree with us. Go with the confidence that you are doing the right thing. You can’t make everyone happy all the time.
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