We have a choice in life. We can live as a God pleaser or a people pleaser. This is difficult for some people. I know that as a child, I wanted nothing more than to please people. My daughter is somewhat of a people pleaser as well. It is great to want to please people. The issue is when you compromise pleasing God to please people.
Jesus Christ is grace and truth. We always must live with grace and truth always on our minds, with Jesus always in our heart. He is our focus. He is our priority. We cannot step around like we are walking on egg shells, and keep ourselves from speaking truth. We cannot disregard the spiritual immaturity of others, simply because it may offend someone to speak truth in love.
God has placed us right where we are at this very moment. There are people around us who need to experience God’s grace and His truth. Today, do not skate around the truth because you don’t want to ruffle any feathers. If you love someone, speak truth. Keeping the truth from a person because you want to please them results in a few problems. First, you are not pleasing God. Second, as you attempt to please this person, you deny them the truth. Perhaps, even enabling them. This is not love. Grace is an important thing—and a beautiful thing. However, there always must be balance. Honor God’s Truth.
“For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:4 [NLT]
Tania Gutekunst 