Are We Seeking to Please God or Man?

In today’s society we have Facebook, Twitter and many other social media sites where the popularity contests of high school seem to roll on even after graduation.  We tend to try and “look good.”

Taking selfies, posting our various accomplishments, and writing statuses all seem to point in the direction of pleasing others and gaining approval.  

As Christians our main priority in life should be for our actions to please God.

Therefore, each time we decide to post something or do a charitable deed we should pause and ask this question, “Is what I am doing going to honor God or just make me look good in the eyes of others?”

Jesus is our perfect example in that He did not want recognition for His earthly accomplishments.  His only desire was to do His Father’s will by being obedient. 

And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him. (John 8:29 NKJV)

We should always do those things that are pleasing to Him on a daily basis.  We should seek to live for Christ.

It is so easy to get side-tracked and seek man’s recognition. 

I know, because I have done it myself. 

When I begin to act in this fashion I ask the Lord to gently guide me back to the correct frame of mind in which I seek to please and glorify Him.

Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. (Matthew 6:1 NKJV)

Unfortunately with reality TV and hip hop stars constantly promoting themselves and receiving praise and adoration from millions of people, it does become rather difficult to decipher how we should really live, especially for younger generations.

The way to keep ourselves centered is by spending time with the Lord, reading His Word and daily dying to self. When we put to death our fleshly lusts and desires and stand firm in God’s Word, we are then able to endure the evil that comes against us.

Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11NKJV)

Over the years I have seen many Christians fall into the ways of the world while seeking to please man and obtain praise from them.   Many of these Christians were unaware of what they were doing because most everyone else was doing the same thing. Each day we should block out the world and set our focus on Christ and seek to imitate Him while loving everyone, but loving God more.

One thing for certain, who you seek to please is a god in your life.

Each day you should ask yourself these questions.

Who am I seeking to please?  Will what I am doing bring honor and glory to God?

Begin your day with the Lord setting your entire focus on Him and His will for your life.  Block out all other distractions that come from the world. Seek to live only for Christ.  Do not imitate the so-called “heroes” of the world. Let your actions be pleasing and glorifying to the Father in all things that He has called you to do.

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 NKJV)

About the Author :

Michael Thacker is the founder of Yahweh's Peak Ministry in which he teaches weekly Bible studies. He is also host of the Truth Cast Show on speaker.com. He writes daily articles for examiner.com and is author of "Knowing the Great I AM." Michael and his wife, Selina, reside in Ft. Worth, Texas.