No matter how small we are in the grand scheme of things, we
can play a big role by doing a small thing. The ALS challenge, Michael Brown
case and the ISIS/Christian persecution have weighed pretty heavy on my heart.
I have spent a good chunk of time praying over these situations. It’s a work of
art when we think outside ourselves and towards others. Yet could there be
something greater then thinking of others?
One thing I love about Christianity is the focus not on me
but others. Being a servant of Jesus is a rewarding thing and it doesn’t
include getting a raise, degree or new better job. Yet the goal of every
Christian is to please God with our lives, not ourselves or other people.
Paul shares this statement in Galatians 1:10, “Am I now
trying to win the approval of humans beings, or of God? Or am I trying to
please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a
servant of Christ.”
“If my goal was popularity, I wouldn’t bother being Christ’s
slave,” (the first half of verse 10 in The Message). People accused the author
Paul of teaching freedom from “The Law” in order to appeal to Gentiles. Paul
bluntness was to show not pleasing men but God. If Paul was trying to win the
appeal of the people, he wouldn’t try to call out those following false
gospels.
Jesus calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves but the
overall goal is to please God not people. There is nothing wrong with treating
others with respect but the overall goal is Jesus. Why do I do the things,
treat people with respect love and admiration? Jesus. Jesus is the underlining
goal of the person I try to please with my life. I might be far from imperfect,
I have many flaws yet I love Jesus and my goal with life is to strive to be
more pleasing to Jesus everyday. Who are you trying to please?
