Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please people, but rather God, who examines our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2.4 CSB.
Jesus warned against doing our righteous deeds to be seen by people, Matthew 6. Those who seek to please people cannot please God, Galatians 1.10.
In a sense, we please others, yes, but not for our own good. We do it for “the good of many, that they may be saved” 1 Corinthians 10.33.
Rulers often do wrong to please the people, Acts 12.1-3; 24.27; 25.9. We criticize rulers, but what Paul ordered slaves to do applies to us as employees and workers: “Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing God’s will from your heart” Ephesians 6.6 CSB; Colossians 3.22. We want rulers to be accountable and attentive to justice, but do we obey this command of Christ?
Many people did not confess Jesus, “For they loved human praise more than praise from God” John 12.43. Have you refused to obey Jesus because you prefer to be approved by people? What’s more, today, many people modify the gospel because they want the approval of people in their family or in the religious world.
They want to make it easier to enter the Kingdom of God. They hide the “key of knowledge” Luke 11.52, and although they claim to show God’s mercy, they are preventing others from entering the Kingdom.
Paul refused to modify the gospel to please others. He knew that we are only “managers” whose responsibility is to explain “the mysteries of God” and whose role is to be faithful in carrying out our task, 1 Corinthians 4.1-2.
Let us please God.
Heavenly Father, may we have only one motive: to please you in everything.
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