1 Samuel 10:27 But certain worthless men said, “How can this one deliver us?” And they despised him and did not bring him any present. But he kept silent.
I had just read a chapter in Francis Chan’s book, Letters To
the Church, that addressed this danger of trying to be people pleasers. I
would like to quote some of it for you.
“The Trap of Avoiding Criticism
People say harsh things to pastors. No matter what is
preached, there are people on both sides anxious to criticize. The harshness or
sheer amount of criticism often causes a politicizing of the pulpit. They sound
less like prophets and more like they are running for office. The leader
becomes overly aware of how people respond and starts teaching in a way that
avoids criticism rather than fearlessly preaching the truth.
The Trap of Meeting Expectations
People come on Sunday mornings expecting coffee, good
parking, music they enjoy at a preferred volume, a thirty-minute sermon, a good
nursery, children’s ministry… etc. They are too busy creating what people
expect to actually pursue what God commands.” (Letters to the Church, Francis Chan,
2018)
I stopped to pray a prayer like this: “Father, please guide me
every step of my life and ministry so that I seek always and only to please
YOU. Give me a boldness that shows Your love in all situations, even if it
makes me uncomfortable.”
I believe that this should be adopted by all Christians in these days of wanting to be accepted by those around us, to a fault.
Galatians 1:10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
1 Thessalonians 2:4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts.
Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted.
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Thank you for your comment. jd