“Decisions become easier when your will to please God outweighs your will to please the world.”
Anonymous
Being compliant makes it easy for me to be a people pleaser. I have lived a great portion of my life wanting to do what others asked me to do. More and more though, as my heart grows closer to God, I desire to be a God pleaser. Recently I read Titus 3:1-2: “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.”
The Apostle Paul penned those words to Titus. As a pastor, and spiritual father, Paul wanted his disciple to be aware of what behavior would please God. These verses convicted me as I asked myself, am I living like this?
Am I being under the power of those in authority over me? Am I obeying the rules of my government?
Am I prepared to do things which benefit others, even if it interrupts my plans? Am I focused on others more than myself?
Am I protecting others’ reputations with my speech? Am I affirming and building others up?
Am I amiable, inoffensive, and avoiding arguments?
Am I kind, thoughtful, and respectful of others’ feelings and rights? Do I seek to understand others by placing myself in their shoes?
Am I unassuming, meek, and putting others ahead of myself?
It’s obvious from these verses that God calls His children to live up to a higher standard and not to live like the world does. This is quite the list! In my flesh, I know I can’t perfectly live according to this checklist. I’m grateful though, that the Holy Spirit enables me with His grace to live this way, so that my life can be one which pleases God.
“If we displease God, does it matter whom we please? If we please Him does it matter whom we displease?”
Leonard Ravenhill
Relevant Reflection:
Which of the questions in the above checklist is your biggest struggle? Ask God to fill you with His grace to live a life which pleases Him.
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