John 12:43...For they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
Galatians 1:10...For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave to Christ.
Ouch!...Sting!!...This one burns a bit!!!
While these verses don't have the word love in them, they are all about our love to God and for God.
My little one has been battling a cold all weekend. He even had to miss school on Friday. He doesn't get normal colds. His body handles colds with a touch of asthmatic symptoms. Because of his cold, we have to miss church this morning.
I woke to a rush of cool air. I decided I would lace up my running shoes, put my praise music on, and hit the pavement. I love being alone with my praise music. It does exactly what it says...it causes me to praise Jesus.
Ooh, then it hit me. What if my neighbors see me? They will know I didn't go to church. How will that make me look? You see, my neighbors know I am a Jesus gal and love going to church. As a matter of fact, one of the radio stations in our city that played all 80's music recently switched to a Christian station. My neighbor called and asked if I had anything to do with it. It is well known around here that I am in love with my Redeemer.
Why do I care so much? It frustrates me that I even considered what they would think. Running would give me a chance to praise Jesus and be alone with Him. Isn't that what is important? I cared more about my reputation with people than I did with my relationship with Christ. That stings this girls heart greatly.
My heart is bleeding and wondering where else in my life am I striving to please people over God. I'm certain there are many areas in my life that I need to examine. I will go on that run. I will praise God while I am doing it and beg Him to reveal the areas in my life where I place Him on the back burner and me in the spotlight.
Where are you pleasing people over God?
