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 Romans 3:1 - Aim to Please - God



Do you have a heart changed by God’s Spirit? A person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people. It’s incredible how often men say, “I am a man under authority.” And yet, who do most Christian men aim to please first and foremost? Someone that has power? Someone that can help their careers or that buys influence. Do not confuse God’s authority and commands on your life with pleasing men and selling your soul.

The world demands that we please people. In personal relationships, marriage, friendship, family relations, employment, business, and community relations, it is essential for unity and harmony that we do everything within our means to live in peace with everyone (Romans 12:18). This includes listening well, caring for the young, helping the old, and being a good neighbor. God’s word is filled with commands to help the poor (Proverbs 14:31). But listen. It’s one thing to please and work for peace with everyone - it is a whole different matter to seek praise from people and fear men rather than God. When we seek glory from people, we give them the ability to define our worth. This is a sin. Only God determines our actual value, for he is the Judge. And only God knows our secret thoughts and deeds (Psalm 44:21). When we seek praise from the world, we feed our pride and selfish ambition.  

We all want followers. We want to be influencers. You may want to be a big somebody. I sure have. Maybe it’s a big title, a top seat, a head office, a fancy parking spot, and all the perks of Satan’s praise. It’s all garbage compared to knowing Jesus and following Him authentically.

You desire to make your Maker happy when you seek God’s praise. God is pleased when you obey and serve Him for His Kingdom purposes. This means loving the unlovable and going where the self-righteous prigs would not dare go.

When we seek God’s praise, we humble ourselves and are not confused about where our righteousness comes from.   We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ.

When we seek the praise of men and women, we are adulterers; we are self-righteous and unfaithful to the One who truly loves us, Almighty God.

Let us never be that person. Turn from that self-centered thinking right now.

Lord Jesus, I seek your praise today. You are the only one who can make me righteous. The only one that can help me. All my value comes from you. My worth does not come from tribe, clan, class, pedigree, title, experience, or accomplishment.

You are faithful, Jesus; please help me to be authentic and loyal to you today.

Amen.

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