Who Are You Trying To Impress?

The downfall of many Christians as well as non-Christians has to do with who they are trying to please. I have heard heart wrenching stories of faith lost because the Church in it’s infinite wisdom didn’t realize the harm it was causing, and the Christian didn’t see their misplaced faith. I like to say that I am not a Christian because I go to Church, but that I go to Church because I am a Christian. Not for a single moment in any day do I seek the approval of another human for their own sake, but for Jesus Christ’s sake. The ultimate approval of my savior is my goal in life. If you see me trying to please another human you can bet that I have the ulterior motive of pleasing God. (see Romans 15:1-7) Christians can’t have soft shells. I assure you that if you feel life is getting to easy then you’re probably in enemy territory. If you are constantly seeking to please God then you will also please the people that he wants you to please. Often people lose their faith when the Church wrongly labels them and makes them feel outcast. Well, there are millions of Church congregations. Find the one that suits you. We also have to realize as Christians that we are all imperfect and our brothers and sisters are called upon to help us grow through fellowship. This fellowship would likely include candid conversation about our behavior. Don’t get all offended because someone else noticed that you are a sinner. You are! If you opened up you may realize that they have or had the same problem and want to help. Paul tells us in 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 of Christ. The point I am trying to make is that I find it personally frustrating that people allow their faith to be controlled by the opinions and actions of others. Our Savior very clearly tells us that his opinion is the only one that matters and the only wisdom that we can safely put our faith in. Please God by going to Church because you are a Christian. Don’t put your faith in the human element of the Church.