LIVING AS FOLLOWERS OF JESUS (part-07)

PLEASING GOD IS THE HIGHEST PRIORITY FOR CHRISTIANS

BIBLE PASSAGE:
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings,
or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were
still trying to please people, I would not be a servant
of Christ.
(Galatians 1:10)

MEDITATION:
There are many outside influences which can affect our actions and attitudes.
Other people can do or say things that stir our emotions in several ways.

Situations and circumstances can cause either elation or discouragement.
Even our own internal desires can impact our actions and attitudes in many
ways. So, what happens? Some will make compromises or excuses in their
efforts to be liked by others, or to satisfy an unrighteous desire.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul wanted them to know that his priorities
had completely changed after he met and surrendered his life to the Lord.
If the choices he made would effectively please people or please the Lord,
He would choose to please the Lord every time.

It doesn’t mean that he wanted to ignore others or try to offend them,
but if someone disliked him and his commitment to serve, Paul was not
going to compromise his dedication and commitment to the Lord.

As a result of his new relationship with the Lord, he discovered that Jesus
wanted him to serve Him in a specific way. Paul transitioned from being a
persecutor of Christians, to becoming a man dedicated to telling others about
Jesus Christ and the value of having a close fellowship with Him.
    For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism,
    how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to
    destroy it.
    (Galatians 1:13)

That’s how much the Lord can impact us when we meet Him and are genuinely
grateful for the sacrifice He made for us. There were obstacles that Paul needed
to overcome, but he was not going to allow them to deter him from the assignment
he received from the Lord.

As a new Christian, he could have excused himself as unqualified (but he didn’t).
Due to his reputation of persecuting Christians, he could have used as an excuse
such as,
    “Preaching about Jesus will be unproductive because no one
      will listen to me or trust me. It will take too long to overcome
      their skepticism.”
but Paul didn’t disqualify himself. Instead, he chose to be ‘all in’ as a servant of
the Lord.

When others not only disliked him, but also persecuted him for serving the Lord,
he could have become discouraged, given up and quit (but he didn’t). But Paul
seemed to use any negativity as his motivation for serving the Lord even more.
When we look at Paul’s challenges, we can see the importance of encouraging
those whom the Lord has called to serve Him publicly.

Paul was “all in” when the Lord saved him. He readily accepted his task from
the Lord, because he realized this was God’s plan for him, before he was even
born.
    But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb
    and called me by His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son
    in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles…
    (Galatians 1:15-16)

ACTION:
Questions to consider:
    – How has the Lord affected the things I think, do, and say?
    – Have I made the transition of becoming a servant of the Lord?
    – Have my priorities changed in such a way that pleasing Him
       is far more important than pleasing, or being liked by, others?
    – How do I feel about God creating specific plans for me, before I was born?
    – Are there obstacles I need to overcome so I can effectively serve the Lord?

God may not have called us to become a pastor, missionary in a foreign land,
or teacher, but He wants all Christians to serve Him in some capacity. Living
a changed life under the control and guidance of God’s Spirit is one way every
believer can begin serving the Lord.

If we’re still searching for His purpose for us, we can begin serving Him now as
an encourager to others. We may discover that encouraging others could be His
calling for us, or it could be the first step in serving Him in another way. It’s all
about changing our focus and attitude (trading our selfishness for His selflessness).
    Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked
    or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of
    mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who
    meditates on His law both day and night.
    (Psalm 1:1-2)

When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad
and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.
(Acts 11:23)

Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets,
said much to encourage and strengthen the believers.
(Acts 15:32)

After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house,
where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them.
Then they left.
(Acts 16:40)

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your
gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is
serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then
give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,
do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
(Romans 12:6-9)

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you
the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.
(Romans 15:5)

By all this we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement,
we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his
spirit has been refreshed by all of you.
(2 Corinthians 7:13)

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage
one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace
will be with you.
(2 Corinthians 13:11)

I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you
may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.
(Ephesians 6:22)

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love,
so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in
order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ.
(Colossians 2:2)

We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service
in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in
your faith.
(1 Thessalonians 3:2)

Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and
persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.
(1 Thessalonians 3:7)

Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up,
just as in fact you are doing.
(1 Thessalonians 5:11)

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, to warn those who are idle
and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be
patient with everyone.
(1 Thessalonians 5:14)

He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught,
so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those
who oppose it.
(Titus 1:9)

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement,
because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.
(Philemon 1:7)

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,”
so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
(Hebrews 3:13)

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for the salvation You have
given me. Show me how You want me to serve You and
give me the courage and determination to overcome the
things that try to discourage me from pleasing You. Protect
me from allowing Satan to convince me that my sins have
made me unworthy to be one of Your disciples. Help me to
gladly and openly wear my faith, and to have a desire to
share with anyone, at any time, how You have blessed me.
Teach me the importance of encouraging other servants.”

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