the disease to please.
A talented musician studied under a famous violin teacher. Now it was time for his first recital. He performed magnificently and received numerous "Bravos!" and applause. Strangely, he seemed not to hear them, but kept glancing nervously at the front row where a white-haired old man was seated. Only when the old man stood and gave his nod of approval that the musician eased up, relaxed and smiled. He had finally gotten the praise and approval of his master!
Ask yourselves this: When you serve in the various ministries, whose praise and approval do you seek? Be honest. It's important to know how far you are willing to go in order to win the praise of others, or let their opinion influence you.
Paul said, "We speak as messengers...approved by God...our purpose is to please Him, not people." (1 Thessalonians 2:4) He also said, "I am not trying to be a people pleaser...If I were, I would not be God's servant."
Let's take our focus off how others see us, and cease to be obsessed with the need to impress. Let's not allow the approval of others to obstruct our view of ourselves.
In John 12:42-43, Some Jewish leaders were said to believe in Jesus too, but they would not admit it, for they feared being expelled by the Pharisees. They loved human praise more than the praise of God.
I think that's pretty sad, when we seek the temporal and considerably minor things of this earth, instead of seeking to please our Creator and Father. It's good to remember whenever we set goals, to establish boundaries and change old patterns, we're bound to get criticism from those who are used to having you act in a particular way. Have the courage for our convictions, and not let them stop you from doing what is right!
When we think of really changing our styles of playing in a music and worship team, for example, so as to please God and not bother about what people think of you, you'll definitely get people who'll say you're being hypocritical for the sudden change and wanting to serve God. You'll also get people who think your playing and skill has suddenly "dropped" since you no longer are able to do the fanciful fill ins and what not that you used to do. But think, if you're actually affected by what they say, it shows that you were seeking the praises of man all these while. Now think of how hurt our heavenly Father, who has blessed us with the skills and talents, feel?
To identify, how would YOU feel when a friend you done something special for, refused to give you the credit, but gave another person the credit for. That is exactly how our heavenly Father feels. And think of how much it'd suck since you were the one who caused Him this grief.
This was partly from a daily devotional I do, and it struck me pretty hard, and therefore I decided to share. Let's all bring each other up in the admonishment of the Lord, and I hope this has helped encourage you in one way or another. God bless!
Ask yourselves this: When you serve in the various ministries, whose praise and approval do you seek? Be honest. It's important to know how far you are willing to go in order to win the praise of others, or let their opinion influence you.
Paul said, "We speak as messengers...approved by God...our purpose is to please Him, not people." (1 Thessalonians 2:4) He also said, "I am not trying to be a people pleaser...If I were, I would not be God's servant."
Let's take our focus off how others see us, and cease to be obsessed with the need to impress. Let's not allow the approval of others to obstruct our view of ourselves.
In John 12:42-43, Some Jewish leaders were said to believe in Jesus too, but they would not admit it, for they feared being expelled by the Pharisees. They loved human praise more than the praise of God.
I think that's pretty sad, when we seek the temporal and considerably minor things of this earth, instead of seeking to please our Creator and Father. It's good to remember whenever we set goals, to establish boundaries and change old patterns, we're bound to get criticism from those who are used to having you act in a particular way. Have the courage for our convictions, and not let them stop you from doing what is right!
When we think of really changing our styles of playing in a music and worship team, for example, so as to please God and not bother about what people think of you, you'll definitely get people who'll say you're being hypocritical for the sudden change and wanting to serve God. You'll also get people who think your playing and skill has suddenly "dropped" since you no longer are able to do the fanciful fill ins and what not that you used to do. But think, if you're actually affected by what they say, it shows that you were seeking the praises of man all these while. Now think of how hurt our heavenly Father, who has blessed us with the skills and talents, feel?
To identify, how would YOU feel when a friend you done something special for, refused to give you the credit, but gave another person the credit for. That is exactly how our heavenly Father feels. And think of how much it'd suck since you were the one who caused Him this grief.
This was partly from a daily devotional I do, and it struck me pretty hard, and therefore I decided to share. Let's all bring each other up in the admonishment of the Lord, and I hope this has helped encourage you in one way or another. God bless!
posted by Jeddy! | 12:31 PM
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