During elementary programs where we perform onstage with our classmates, I remember myself scanning the crowd, looking for the familiar faces of my parents. Upon seeing them, I immediately performed with all smiles and utmost energy because I wanted them to be proud of me. Two decades later, I take the place of my parents and look onstage at my children, and I see the familiar smiling eyes, happy to see me watching them perform. After their dance, they were eager to know what I thought of their number, and if I was proud.
In this age when we are all eager to please everyone in our circle, including those who do not even like or care about us, may we remember those times when all we cared about was that familiar face nodding and smiling through our performance. As followers of Jesus, we are called to please an audience of one — our One True God — whom we should love above all, and solely worship.
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10
And God promises to reward those who aim to please Him. In the bible, we can stumble upon promises that assure us, God will not turn a blind eye on our sacrifices, and the love that we give Him and those whom He calls us to serve and care for.
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” Hebrews 6:10
But when we become too conscious of what we do, that we forget who we are doing it for we end up hurting ourselves. We tend to forget that in our lives, we should only aim to please God by doing His will, and delighting in His word and presence in our lives.
And so when we think twice about an endeavor we do that honors God, just because we might be judged, bashed, or cancelled, we should remember our Audience of One.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
When we make choices that the crowd frowns upon and yet pleases God, then we should not mind the stares, or even the cold shoulder, and pursue life choices that celebrate our salvation, shine Jesus’ light on others, and keep us free from sinful enslavements.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,” Colossians 3:23
When we try our best to love God above all else, and please Him alone, we end up protecting ourselves from undue hurts and pains. We also get a space in our hearts to love and serve others, just as God intends us to do.
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
When we fulfill His purpose for our lives, we can indeed look forward to the day, when He will welcome us in heaven with not just a tap on the back for the good work, but also with a warm embrace that extinguishes all the pain and tears we have shed through our earthly existence.
“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” Matthew 25:21
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Romans 12:1-2 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Are you aiming to please God or are you still too conscious about what others think and feel about you?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for keeping me grounded in you. Give me the grace to continue clinging on to you, and remain steadfast in aiming to please You and only You alone. Amen.
“When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Proverbs 16:7
