Blog
“The Problem With Pleasing Men”
Categories: Author: David Carrozza, Elder Articles
23 Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. 24 But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, 25 and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.” John 2:23-25
At twelve Jesus knew He must be about His Father’s business. At thirty, Satan tempted him to accomplish his mission using the ways of men and entrusting himself to the “evil one.” The promise of man’s praise, and the ways of the world.
If there ever was a man driven by vision and mission, it was the son of Joseph. There was always ONE thing on His mind: pleasing the Father and doing His will, the Father’s way.
“The Father has not left me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” John 8:29
Jesus clearly understood the fickleness of men. He knew the hearts and minds; he knew the potential and the weaknesses of all mankind. Those who He, the Father and the Spirit had created. He would never entrust himself or his mission to men in the flesh, the wisdom of men or the ways of the world.
This singleness of mind and purpose was and is imperative for a man on a mission. Perhaps the greatest trial and temptation on such a journey is to take your eye off the goal and place it in the eyes of men and approval from men or to accomplish God’s will, man’s ways.
His warnings are succinct. Whether in charity or in prayer do not seek to be seen – approved by men. In this there is no reward. Never do good to be seen by men. If you receive a reward, it will be short, superficial and paid in full.
Seeking the praise, approval and empowerment by men and from men will only lead to dead ends, temporary pleasures, and futility. Jesus saw firsthand the wild swings in his acceptance, praise, rejection and isolation from the crowds in the three short years of his active ministry.
Suppose for a moment He had taken His eyes off the Father and decided the pleasing and approval of man was necessary either as strategy or motivation. Look at the chaos He received from men: ADORATION, ISOLATION and CONDEMNATION.
In the adoration of man there no reward from God and in seeking approval from man there eventually is isolation or condemnation. In spiritual terms, there is no reward from man. As John Lydgate famously said, “You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time”.”
“If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors me…” John 8:54.
In whatever we do, do all [and only] for the glory of God. God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love.
Only God promises what will last.
IN ADORATION
Whatever you do in word or deed – do all for the glory of God. And He who sees in secret will reward you openly. He is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love.
IN ISOLATION:
“I will never leave you or forsake you.”
IN CONDEMNATION
“There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.”
If you’re on His mission, never take your eyes off Him who is faithful and sure.
