Embracing the Truth of God's Word: Pleasing God Over Pleasing People

Hello there, wonderful readers! Today, I want to delve into a topic that has been on my heart lately - the importance of sharing the truth of God's Word and living a life dedicated to pleasing God rather than seeking the approval of people. We live in a world that denies the radical words of God, and as followers of Christ, it is crucial to stand firm in the unchanging truths of the Bible.

I have struggled with people pleasing all my life. I tend to do what other people are doing and agree with other people because it is the easiest thing to do. Maybe some of you can relate. We get so caught up in the desire to please those around us, to fit in, and to avoid conflict. But as believers, our primary goal should always be to align our lives with God’s word. Galations 1:10 says, “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.” When we share the truth of God’s word, we are not just sharing our personal opinions or preaching some religion. We are proclaiming eternal truths that have the power to transform lives. A testimony of our commitment to serving the living God and doing all things for His glory is demonstrated by the signs and wonders that the Holy Ghost works through us as we have laid down our lives for His will. We've experienced His love, and according to Galatians 2:20, we've been crucified alongside Christ. Our old life is gone, replaced by Christ who now dwells within us.

When sharing God’s word, not everyone will agree or respond the way you want them to–and that’s okay. Our responsibility is to be faithful messengers, not crowd pleasers. Jesus lived to obey His father. He loved people and served people, but He was never afraid to say what needed to be said, even when it led to His death on the cross. Everything He did, He did to please God.

Choosing to please God over man requires a great amount of boldness, confidence, and courage. You will have to make decisions that are not popular to society but are in full alignment with God’s word. This might lead to persecution, which can come in many forms. But we must remind ourselves of what Jesus said in John 15:18-21, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.” In John 18:37, Jesus states that He was born into the world to bear witness to the truth. Jesus was hated by the world for exposing the truth, so expect to be hated for doing the same, too.

People pleasing keeps us chained from doing what God has called us to do and it prevents us from preaching the gospel to those who deny it. It is not our job to make people happy. Rather, it is our job to glorify Christ in all that we do and share His truth. Don’t let the fear of the opinions of others hold you back. The transformative power of the Holy Spirit and God's Word can break through barriers, change hearts, and bring truth in a world hungry for answers.

The next time you catch yourself attempting to satisfy others, pause and inquire, "Am I seeking approval from God or from people?"