Acts 20:24
July 28, 2024
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING – 28 JULY
July 28, 2024
THE 28th OF JULY
DO WE PLEASE GOD OR PEOPLE?
But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as to please people, but to please God who examines our hearts. – 1 Thessalonians 2:4
Many of us find it difficult to overcome the temptation to be people-pleasers, especially if we are the social type and love the company of others. There are those of us who go somewhat overboard, doing our best to treat other people right even at the cost of displeasing God. The apostle Paul said it so clearly in his epistle to the Galatians: “Am I now trying to win the favor and approval of men, or of God? Or am I seeking to please someone? If I were still trying to be popular with men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).
We need the constant guidance of the Holy Spirit, to present the truth of the gospel without being tempted to tell people what they would like to hear. It is imperative to understand that relying on popularity to get us through will not work in the long run, as it is fleeting and would have heavy consequences, as God is certainly not pleased by insincerity in preaching His Word. God sees our hearts and while it is true that we may be hated in our encounter with people, for telling them the truth, we will be rewarded by God for following Him at the cost of incurring the displeasure of our fellow human beings who do not want to hear the gospel truth.
SUGGESTED PRAYER
Dear Lord, please assist me in preaching to people the Good News of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, in order to please You, not men. Help me to always ensure that I follow Jesus and do not try to do what people expect from me. I know that while I am faithful to Your truth, You always take care of my needs and bring the right people into my life. Help me to rejoice in pleasing You and in fulfilling Your will, to the everlasting Glory of Your Name. I make this prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
