Friday, July 18, 2014

I hope today's blog title didn't mislead you. In the end, the subject might not please you at all since I'm writing today about the issue of pleasing others, in particular, the matter of your prioritized list of those you must please before others. I hope that Jesus is on the top of your list, and that you never aim to please anyone over Him whenever you must choose between two. Speaking in military terms, the Apostle Paul reminded Timothy, No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer. (2 Tim. 2:4) When I was young and foolish (Now, I am old and foolish) and before Christ came into my life, my priority list was way out of whack. Back then, I senselessly would often aim to please my friends over my own wife and children. The sad thing is that today many people commit that same mistake, including those who profess to be followers of Christ.

Our Priority list regarding this question should not be that difficult to formulate. I'm pretty sure you all agree that we should try to place people in our list in relation to their importance in our lives. Two simple questions to consider are (1) To whom do we owe more allegiance? and (2) To whom are we the most obligated?

I'm aware that sometimes we find ourselves in this dilemma: Do we please someone high on our priority list even if their wishes or demands are unreasonable? I believe that, in such cases, we may first think about maintaining peace and if its not going to displease or dishonor God if we assent to them and it won't kill us to do it, we should comply. The Bible gives us this advice: If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18)   

We would be wise to heed this advice if we remember that living at peace with everyone begins at home. Husbands, have you ever heard this phrase, "happy wife, happy life"? Lets be careful to avoid disturbing the peace. After all, Jesus taught in His Sermon on the Mount, that God's true children are peace makers; they don't look for fights, they look for ways and opportunities to make peace.

Memory verse for the week: (Romans 10:13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.