Who Do You Please?

Who Do You Please?

Now am I trying to win the favor of men, or of God? Do I seek to please men? If I were still seeking popularity with men, I should not be a bond servant of Christ (the Messiah). Galatians 1:10 AMPC

Today's extract starts with a question, and it is one all of us must answer at some point in time in the course of lives, as it will also form the basis of judgment and reward at the end of this present earthly phase. Right at the heart of the fall of man in the Garden of Eden was a desire to look good, to appear wise and appealing. Those three elements were present: the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. Till today, the pressure remains.

Paul understood the attraction of the old life; he had seen both sides so he could relate. Man's natural tendency is to relate well with people, get on the good side of people and generally appeal to their good side. Whilst this is good, it must not be the defining factor for my life. Whilst I run my race, I must keep at the back of my mind the reason why I run, and for whom I am running.

The questions above are important, as I take stock of where I am at the moment: am I about man's applause or God's grace? Do I seek favour from men or am I content with the favour God alone can birth and sustain? It is tempting to bend over and seek to draw men close, but think about it: even if you could draw them to yourself by the power of your words, can you also meet the deep spiritual yearnings of their hearts? That is the reason why pleasing men at the expense of God can never end well.

Paul understood the context, and used a strong image: you have to choose a side. There is no sitting on the fence on this one: you either serve God or you serve man. Look at the image used by Paul: a bondservant: someone bound to service without wages; a slave. We don't like the word, but it is a start point. If I know who I am, I won't fight the appellation. I will find out what it means and define my life by the lessons. If indeed it is God I am serving, am I doing it for reward, public praise, human applause or for God's glory?

Whatever my response is, that will be my position, as far as God is concerned. Daily, I choose on whose side I am on, and who will take the glory at the end of time. Don't labour for gain that does not satisfy; make your life count by committing it into the hands of the only One who does not owe any man anything, and will adequately reward all who are faithful to the end. His time of favour is here.