WHO ARE YOU TRYING TO PLEASE?

WHO ARE YOU TRYING TO PLEASE?

Matt 27:17

17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?

Pilate oversaw a difficult parish. The Jews were not easily subjugated and would rebel and riot at the slightest provocation. Now he had the opportunity to allow the people to make an important choice and, hopefully, to release an innocent but simple man. He stands and offers what he thinks to be a clear choice. Barabbas was a “notable” prisoner, vile and incorrigible. Jesus went about doing good. He had the authority to decide himself but he was hoping to please the crowd.

We all arrange our lives and make our decisions in order to gain the approval of those we most cherish and respect. We compromise our ideals and principles to win the praise of parents, colleagues or competitors. We spend fortunes and wear ourselves out for a moment of recognition from our heroes.

As believers we are called to a different standard. We are to serve many but to please only One!

2 Cor 5:9-10

9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

John 21:15

15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

1 Thess 2:4

4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

“As far as I can remember, being a celebrity has never helped me make a good picture, or command the obedience of my daughter, or impress my wife.  It doesn't even seem to help keep fleas off our dog, and if being a celebrity won't give one an advantage over a couple fleas, then I guess there can't be that much in being a celebrity after all.”   -- Walt Disney

Dear Lord, today I may be tempted to play to the crowd but give me the wisdom to please only you. AMEN