"But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts." (1 Thessalonians 2:4)
Don't be fooled. If a person seeks to please people, they can be very "successful." They can fill church buildings & stadiums, be very successful in business, win popularity contests. It is a dangerous reality that too often people equate large churches and "ministries" with "favor," or "anointing," or whatever. Beware associating hoopla with, "....approved by God...."
The question occurred to me as I read our text this morning. Is everything I do, "....approved by God," or, "....pleasing men"? Is Jesus Christ my Lord, or humanity? (The answer may not be as "obvious" as one may think.) With what attitude do we begin each day? When we are in the "marked place," are we of those living and speaking as, "....approved by God", or, "....as pleasing men"? It is written of Enoch, "He pleased God." What greater words can be said of one?!?
So there we have it today, "....approved by God," or, "....pleasing men." Which will it be?
Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You for bring this reminder today. Amen
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
Hebrews 12:2
Hebrews 12:2
