Matthew 4:4
July 28, 2023
MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 29th JULY
July 29, 2023
THE 28th OF JULY
DO WE TRY TO PLEASE PEOPLE OR GOD?
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
For many of us, it is not easy to overcome the temptation to please people, especially if we are friendly and love the company of others. There is a very fine line between doing our best to treat other people right and going over board to please them, even at the cost of not pleasing 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).
When we share the Gospel, we need the constant guidance of the Holy Spirit, to present the whole truth without seeking to tell people only what they would like to hear. We might get temporary benefit and popularity by having more people like us, but that would be short lived and come with a high cost. God sees our hearts and in order to please Him, we may encounter people who will hate us, because we tell them the truth and because we truly belong to Jesus, whom they refuse.
SUGGESTED PRAYER
Dear Lord, please help me tell people the Good News of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, in order to please You, not men. Please help me to always care more about what You like than about 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. Please help me to rejoice in pleasing You and in fulfilling Your will. Thank You and praise You for ever and ever. Amen
Source: thetruthstandsforever
