God pleasers, not man pleasers!
Scripture reading for September 15: 1 Thessalonians 2
“But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the Gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God Who tests our hearts. For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext of greed–God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.” 1 Thessalonians 2:2-7
Paul, the Apostle of Jesus Christ, gives the Thessalonians insight into his own world view and motivation of his heart. As an apostle, he could have made demands for support from those who believed in that region. He had suffered greatly at his last missions stop in Philippi and was still recovering. But none of the trouble hindered Paul from fulfilling his sacred calling to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was focused on preaching Christ, pleasing His Father, and living in joy of the Holy Spirit no matter what man might think or do to him. He knew that God saw his heart and the hearts of all men and desired all to be saved and come to Jesus Christ.
Paul never used flattery or seductive speech to win over the lost. He was not motivated by a love of money or fame from the acclaim of man. Paul boldly fulfilled his calling from Jesus to preach the Gospel, even in the midst of conflict and persecution. He described his own heart and those of his missions team as like a nursing mother caring tenderly for her very young children. This heart was a reflection of the heart of Jesus Christ, gentle and lowly, offering peace and rest. (Matthew 11:28-30) He considered others of more value than himself, that he might win some!
How do you think you might respond after mistreatment for preaching the Gospel? Do you let the opinions of others or their criticism of your faith stop you from sharing Jesus Christ? In what ways do you demonstrate a desire to please God in your daily witness and life?
Prayer: Father God, forgive me for sometimes allowing a fear of man to hinder my witness for you. Fill me with Your heart of gentleness and humility towards sinners and those needing grace because of ignorance and lack of maturity. Let the pastor’s heart of Jesus Christ transform my witness! Amen.
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