Week 30: Whom Are You Trying To Please?

Week 30: Whom Do You Want To Please?

Today’s Text: First Thessalonians 1-3

Key Text: First Thessalonians 2:1-5

“You know, brothers and sisters that our visit to you was not without results. We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.”

It’s a sad fact. Sometimes people are just going to question your motives.

Maybe people have gotten burned too many times. Maybe there are just too many out there saying “Watch your back! Don’t get taken!” Maybe it’s just the nature of living in a “dog eat dog” world.

For whatever reason, no matter what you do, some are bound to ask, “Hmmm, wonder what she’s up to? Wonder what he’s trying to pull?”

People questioned the work of the apostle Paul in just that way. Many opposed him, in many ways, some large, some small.

That’s why he could write about how he had “previously suffered” and how he had been “treated outrageously” in the past.

On the other hand, he could also write with great conviction about how God was using his work and his faith in very powerful ways. He could say, with equal conviction, he was doing what he did to be “approved by God” and not people. “We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.” That about says it all.

How about you? Whom are you trying to please? Are you doing your best to fulfill your calling, your vocation, or are you just trying to do what will help you “get ahead” by some worldly standard?

I hope you can honestly say that ultimately you are trying to live out your life of faith with one great purpose in mind – to bring honor and glory to God – the God who created you, loves you, and has called you into service.

This should be our calling – not just those of us called into formal “ordained” ministry – but all of us.

When all is said and done, whom are you trying please?

I hope it’s God.