Grace Church

Aiming to please….but (W)whom?

Any of you guys who played sports as a kid might remember how important these things seemed: 1) to play well; 2) to be noticed to be playing well by your parents, your friends and (particularly) your girlfriend and; 3) to look good while playing well. How many times during Little League did I slide into home plate, hear the ump yell “safe”, and then quickly look around to make sure my Dad saw it all! This quest for approval and recognition should subside over the years as we mature, but does it? I believe Paul models a plan which will align our priorities with the Lord’s: a plan which disdains the notion of “trying to please men”. If we take Paul’s advice, we will indeed eventually please “Dad” and the other stakeholders in our lives by first pleasing our Heavenly Father.

As I thought about this entry on Galatians, I realized how often I miss my chance to be “a bond servant” of Christ. How frequently, by staying in my comfort zone, do I please men (or just please myself, or at least not inconvenience myself) and ignore an opportunity to advance the Lord’s Kingdom? Witnessing for Christ almost always involves an element of risk. But not witnessing for Christ is the real risk: what does it say about my faith if I never really apply it to my life?

My brother carries in his wallet a short note with some priorities on it. Number one is “Always tell the truth: it is easier to remember what you’ve said”. Sure, that is funny, but perhaps I need a similar daily reminder to seek the favor of God. If I make that choice each day, to serve him even when it is uncomfortable or inconvenient, I believe the rest of life’s decisions will follow in a pattern that pleases Him. Living in this way will mean I will indeed be safe in His care every time I slide into home plate.