ByStatistically speaking (as of the time of this writing), there are over eight billion people worldwide. So people are everywhere. And even more, technology has advanced. So, people using digital devices to connect to people and see things happening worldwide are increasing daily. That has made it generally hard for people to keep their lives private. Even people who do that get tagged with “anti-social” names. But as believers, are we called to please God by doing what He wants us to do or to please people? I decided to write on this subject from a scriptural perspective in today’s article. I hope it’ll bless you at the end of the day.
Because of the dynamic nature of technology, I like to keep many things I do, especially with our team members at The Bible Daily Network, quite private. But periodically, I have encountered people questioning either me or any of my team members about what we do in our core leadership meetings, the decisions we make, and much more information they demand. Sometimes, I have had to warn our team to be cautious on their social media channels. Why? Because I’ve realised that several people are busy searching for things to gossip about. Dear reader, God loves you, and it is not everything He will tell you to do that is meant for the whole world to see.
God loves you, and it is not everything He will tell you to do that is meant for the whole world to see.
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How Jesus taught living to please God
One time, I was studying Matthew chapter 6. I noticed that Jesus dedicated the first eighteen verses of that chapter to teaching on giving, praying, and fasting. In each section of the three-part teaching, Jesus emphasises believers doing all these things in secrecy. I believe one of the reasons He taught that was because of today’s generation, aside from seeing people-pleasing as a thing common among some Israelites at that time, especially the Pharisees.
Today, people like publicising donations they’ve given to people and charities, not to seek support but to make a name for themselves. Others are also interested in praying to make people know they are praying. Some people also work hard to prove to others that they are well-to-do. All of these are not necessary. God didn’t call you to do things just to make people see. Do you know the Bible says we should lead a quiet life and mind our own businesses (see 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)? Apostle Paul even said in Galatians 1:10 (NKJV), “… if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” Whatever you do, people will talk. So people-pleasing is not your goal. On top of that, starve the gossipers from getting news about you and gossiping about you by living a private life that pleases God.
Starve the gossipers from getting news about you and gossiping about you by living a private life that pleases God.
Lay up treasures in heaven.
Now that you know that people-pleasing is not your goal in life, what next? That’s what Jesus taught right after addressing the issue of not publicising your life in Matthew 6:19-20: lay up for yourself treasures in heaven.
Heavenly reward is far better and lasting than earthly rewards, although servants of God will get both for kingdom service with persecutions (see Matthew 19:29-30). It’s far better to live pleasing God, knowing there is a treasure in heaven for your labour.
Being in the world of work for a while, I have realised that many people don’t like working without rewards. In fact, many people are serving mammon because of this craving. I was raised in a ministry culture where church workers don’t receive periodic support, not because the ministry can’t do it, but to teach the ministers that heavenly reward supersedes earthly rewards. I’m no longer at that level, thanks to God. But I learnt a great lesson during those years. God is not evil. He will undoubtedly reward you for your labours. In fact, you’re even required to work as unto the Lord (see Colossians 3:24). Keep labouring. God is proud of you.
Focus on obeying God.
At the end of it all, let God be proud of you everywhere you go, and in everything you do. There are some moves God will make you seek people’s counsel before taking them. But there are some you don’t need validation from many people, maybe your spouse alone (if you are married). So, whatever the case may be, focus on obeying God.
You are a blessing.
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