Today’s Reading, Galatians 1-3
Focal Scripture: Galatians 1:10 “For am I now trying to persuade people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
It can be dangerous to be a person who is a people pleaser. Because if your desire is to please people first, you won’t make godly decisions when it matters most. I need to be clear here that I am not advocating for not thinking about others. Every decision we make should take into account how it will impact those around us personally and professionally. That is being a person who has care for those they deal with daily. What I am talking about is making decisions only to make people happy.
In today’s reading Paul addresses this concern about pleasing people. He is telling the church that there is only one gospel. Unfortunately, some people are being turned away by a false gospel. A gospel that distorts the truth and leads people down a path of destruction. Why is that happening? Because people want to please others with their speech. The gospel is being changed to please the whims of others and not call them to a life of repentance. However, Paul makes it clear that his mission is to please God by declaring the true gospel and not to please people.
This begs the question, which gospel do you declare to people. Before you answer, really investigate what you believe. In our culture we are being engulfed by Progressive Christianity. It is taking root in pastors and churches. The scary part is that it looks very similar to Biblical Christianity. You can tell the difference easily if you know what to look for from leaders and professing believers. Here are a few ways to tell what is part of the progressive gospel.
- It tells you that you are a good person.
- It tells you that you don’t have to change to be saved.
- It tells you that you don’t have to repent of your sin.
- Leaders focus on you instead of the Lord.
- Leaders avoid deep discussions and theology.
- Leaders have no biblical standard for ministry and service.
This is not an exhaustive list but one that should have you asking questions about what you are hearing amongst leaders.
You see when you declare the true gospel people will be offended. It requires an admission that you are not good enough. You must acknowledge that you are a sinner who deserves the wrath of God. The true gospel demands a change in lifestyle regardless of how you personally feel about situations or topics.
To declare the gospel means you will please God over pleasing people. It doesn’t take long to see how the true gospel offends people. However, that is what we are asked to share. Be challenged and encouraged today to share the truth with others. Do it in love and do it knowing that the Lord cares for people deeply. He doesn’t just want to save them from wrath he desires to change their hearts.
Please God over people. It makes an eternity of difference.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Galatians 4-6
