For do I now persuade men, or God? Or doI seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be abondservant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10
At times you will have to make a choice between pleasing God and pleasing those around you, for God’s ways are not man’s ways (Isa. 55:8–9). As important as it is to strivefor good relations with others, it is even more important to maintaina steadfast and obedient relationship with Christ. Disobeying God tokeep peace with other people is never wise. Peace with God is alwaysparamount. Jesus warned that obeying Him might cause division in yourrelationships (Matt. 10:35–36).
If Paul’s primary goal had been toplease others, he would never have become an apostle of Jesus Christ.Paul went completely against the wishes of his colleagues in order toobey Christ. At times, obedience to God sets family members at oddswith each other (Matt. 10:35–36). When you follow Jesus’ lordship,your family may misunderstand, or even oppose you, yet your obedienceto God reflects your identity as His child. Jesus said that those whoobey His will are His brothers and sisters (Luke 8:21). God does notintend to divide the home, but He places obedience before domesticharmony. It is important to get alone in quietness with God so thatyou understand what pleases Him. The world’s thinking will mislead youmore easily when you are not clear about what God desires. It brokePeter’s heart to know that the opinion of a servant girl had matteredmore to him than the approval of his Lord! If the desire to appeaseothers tempts you to compromise what you know God wants you to do,learn from Peter’s mistake. Determine that you will please your Lordregardless of the opinions of others.
