People Pleasers

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10, ESV) 

The Apostle Paul seemingly contradicts himself in Galatians when he claims that he doesn't aim to please men. In his other letter to the Corinthians, Paul said that he tried to "please everyone in everything" 

just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. (1 Corinthians 10:33, ESV) 

But, instead of a contradiction, Paul actually gives us a very important principle when dealing with others. 

When it comes to the truth of the Gospel, there was no fudging on Paul's part. He wouldn't lower his standards or change his message to accommodate those who didn't believe. 

He believed that if he watered down the Gospel to please people, then He would cease to be serving Christ. 

Yet, when Paul talks about "please everyone in everything," he is describing the sacrifices that often have to be made to win people to Christ. He would do whatever it took to win someone to the Lord. 

It is possible to reach the lost without losing our boldness and fervor. 

It may take sacrifice on our part. It may involve a late night visit to a hospital, paying for someone's dinner, or giving someone a ride to church. It may even mean missing a day of work or a couple of hours on the phone. 

But, if we win the person to the Lord, the sacrifice is well worth the effort. 

Pleasing people doesn't mean changing the message of the Gospel, but going the extra mile to share God's love. And it is an effort with eternal rewards. 

A good life is the best sermon. 

___________ 

The above devotion is adapted from https://www.preceptaustin.org/galatians_devotionals.
Accessed 17 Sep 2020.