Between You and God
I have to admit it, I like to please people. I’d like to make everyone around me happy and comfortable. But the truth is, that is not always possible, is it? Different people have different needs and wants – and sometimes these needs and wants come into conflict with each other. There is no way to make everyone happy all the time.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Galatia, “Am I now seeking human approval or God’s approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still pleasing people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
A friend sent me the following statement from a plaque:
They may see the good you do as self-serving. Continue to do good. They may see your generosity as grandstanding. Continue to be generous. They may see your warm and caring nature as a weakness. Continue to be warm and caring. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It never was between you and them, anyway.
When we take stock of our lives, when we reflect on what it is that motivates us and drives us, sometimes we will find that we are trying to please others. Sometimes we’re trying to please God. And sometimes we’re just looking out for ourselves. But most of the time, our motives are mixed.
My friend Rev. Bob Griffiths recently sent me the following prayer written by Thomas Merton which I think brings all of this together nicely. I invite you now to join me in prayer.
Let us pray: My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end… and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this, you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always, though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Joe began his ministry in Sarasota, Florida as an associate pastor, and it was in this capacity that he worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Roger Kunkel. Roger was a colleague who became a mentor and treasured friend. From Sarasota, Joe was called to Jacksonville, Florida where he served as the Head of Staff at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Currently, Joe and his family worship and serve at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Switzerland, Florida. Full Bio
