Whom do we seek to please? (October 29, 2009)

Yesterday, I met a pastor who was a friend of someone I know. He said something that has really stuck with me, and though he specifically applied it to those who wish to enter ministry, I think it is a crucial rule for life for all believers:

"Please God, not man."

We can seek to make our lives an endless, weary pursuit of the often shallow and fickle praise of other people, or we can (by the power of the Holy Spirit) seek praise from God: whole, real praise that is at its very essence truthful. And our lives may be lived to His praise forever, for to God belong the glory and the honor and the praise.