People Pleasers

2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. (KJV)  

Many ministries and ministers base their success on how well they stack up with other ministries. Some base their accomplishments on how many followers they have, using the term ‘one of the fastest growing ministries today’. But which way are they heading, what are they using for their measuring stick, is it based on the word of God, or the world and its way of marketing? If you think you can please man and God at the same time, then you need to take a closer look at the word of God and heed the warning. Because in the end it is not any minister or ministry that you will have to stand before and give account of your life too.  

Luke 6:26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. (KJV)  

The fastest growing ministry, pillars of the community, or as one advertisement I saw, the friendliest church in town. Watch out Church, you can please God or you can please man, but those that truly seek the Lord and are willing to speak on His behalf will find that they can’t do both at the same time.  

Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (KJV)  

Ever see the marketing strategies of the world, the commercials where they interview certain hand-picked people that will promote their product, and like puppets they will say whatever makes them look good? So, now we have this mindset in the so called church. Ministries doing the same thing to promote their organization, rather than letting the word of God and their walk do the speaking for them. People pleasing, ear tickling, money grubbing hucksters, who profess to know God but in works deny Him; they are in for a rude awakening come the Day of Judgment.  

Galatians 1:10-12 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. (11) But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. (12) For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. (KJV)  

Have you ever thought, I wish I could be like Paul, that I could see the things he saw, and write the things he wrote, and be used of God the way he was? Many picture the ministry as being of a life on easy street; preach a sermon here and there, visit some sick people occasionally, and be looked up at as some wonderful person, someone loved and cherished by all. To who much is given much is expected; and with the revelation of Jesus Christ not only comes God’s stamp of approval, but you also become a target of the enemy, and are now entering a whole different realm. Simply put, for those that come to a working knowledge of Jesus Christ and the mystery of the gospel, this is what I refer to as a reality check; will your check bounce, or be approved?  

1Thessalonians 2:4-6 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. (5) For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: (6) Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. (KJV)  

Do you wish to be used of God more, to be able to speak and teach His word effectively? The reason many are ineffective and fall short of the glory of God is that they are not willing to speak the truth and sound doctrine which will enable the people to be set free, but rather they are more interested in building up numbers and outward appearances which is an abomination in the sight of God. So will you be a burden to the body of Christ, or a blessing, it all depends on whose approval you are truly seeking.  

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (KJV)  

You can fool man, as many false prophets have, but you will never fool God. So quit fooling around and get your priorities in order if you truly plan on spending an eternity with Him.  

John 5:41-44 I receive not honour from men. (42) But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. (43) I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. (44) How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? (KJV)  

If you need a pat on the back from someone else, or if you are looking for the approval of some big name preacher, you need to truly rethink your priorities and ask yourself honestly, am I really doing this to please God, or is there someone else I am seeking honour from, someone else that I am holding in higher esteem than our Father in heaven?  

John 12:42-43 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: (43) For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. (KJV)  

Don’t take it personal if you are not welcome at certain organizations that claim to be of God, because you have chosen to please Him rather than man. I have found for myself that the more I know the truth, the more it contradicts the doctrines of man and their people pleasing methods. Oh by the way, still interested in the position Paul held which he ended up losing his life for? Don’t forget to read the disclaimer, the fine print before making the decision; because if the truth be known, the more he was used of God, the more he was abused of man. Still interested, let me give you a brief job description before you decide that you to would like to be used of God as well.  

2 Corinthians 11:23-28 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. (24) Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. (25) Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; (26) In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; (27) In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. (28) Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. (KJV)  

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.