The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast How to Please God Above Man
Pleasing God over people is a tension every believer faces. This Christian devotional explores the difference between people-pleasing and God-honoring obedience, drawing wisdom from Ecclesiastes 3:1–2 and the life of Jesus. True biblical love is not rooted in appeasement or fear of conflict, but in discerning when to speak truth, when to remain silent, and when obedience to God requires courage over comfort.
Highlights
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People-pleasing and peace-making are not always the same
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Biblical love values truth over appeasement
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There is a God-appointed time to speak and a time to remain silent
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Jesus modeled courage, truth, and discernment in every situation
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Fear of man can prevent growth and obedience
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God equips believers with the right words when we trust Him
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Pleasing God sometimes requires speaking up, not staying quiet
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Full Transcript Below:
How to Please God Above Man
By Kelly Balarie
Bible Reading:
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot.” – Eccl. 3:1-2 NIV
I knew if I gave in, the argument would be over. Yet, I also knew if I said, "You're right," I'd be lying.
In reality, there is a difference between people-pleasing and peace-making. They are not always one and the same.
In the past, I'd be inclined to lie to keep the peace. I'd be inclined to brush things under the carpet of don't-lift-up-the-corner-of-this-rug for anything—to keep everyone happy. I'd be inclined to adapt to make sure everyone is okay.
This is not biblical love, but it verges more towards manipulative love. Appeasing man is not always the same as pleasing the Lord. We must be careful here.
There is a time for everything under the sun.
“There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot…” (Eccl. 3:1-2)
There is a time to speak truth and a time to be quiet. There is a time to bring clarity and a time to listen. There is a time to defend and a time to back off. There is a time to pray, and there is a time to say things.
Jesus didn't always back away; sometimes He spoke truth. He called out the Pharisees and told them the truth when they fought Him (Matt. 23:27-28). He said, "Forgive them" aloud when He was being crucified (Luke 23:34). He addressed the Pharisees' lack of mercy with a straightforward address (Matt. 23:23). He powerfully used His words and actions to drive the merchants out of the temple (Matt. 21:12-13).
The list goes on and on... Jesus did not always stay silent.
To turn the other cheek does not always mean taking it...
There is a time to speak up. There is a time to not fear man. There is a time to tell the truth.
The key is to pray and discern what God would have you do (Eph. 5:17).
Sometimes things never change because we never change our approach. Sometimes ruts continue because we don't trust God to equip us with the right words. Sometimes habits continue because we fear man more than we believe God will help us.
Don't mistake fear of man for fear of the Lord. The Lord may have you speak up louder than the fear of man has ever permitted you to. This is not unbiblical; it may be monumental in your walk with the Lord.
The answer is not always silence. Sometimes the way that most pleases God is speaking up. Wisdom is knowing the difference.
Lying is sinning, even if it is pursuing peace-making. The question is—how do we be true, while being godly and loving? Sometimes, this requires pausing to seek God for what needs to be said. Other times, it may require praying to get a couple of levels deeper than what is on the surface.
The ultimate key is to respond to a person from God's will and not to react from our own.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
How do you tend to react? Do you negate your feelings? Do you cover the truth to keep peace? How might God be leading you in a new direction?
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