Thoughts on the Way Home

Friday, December 24, 2010

The Pecking Order of "Pleasing"

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Each of us is to please his neighbor... Romans 15:2
If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

Should we or should we not please men? I believe the answer, which is given in both contexts, is that we should not please men over against God, and we should not please ourselves over against men. In order words, there is a priority in pleasing. So, to summarize, please God even if it offends everyone else, and then please others even if it offends self. To follow these simple commands in order is the be like the Lord Jesus (Romans 15:3).