CONFORMING TO PLEASE PEOPLE?

Don't Get Caught Up with Pleasing People...They Won't be Pleased No Matter What!

BLOG BELOW BY:  Kim Gaines

Art by Larry "Poncho" Brown 

Romans 12:2 - New International Version (NIV)

² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

One of the greatest temptations we face as Christians is the desire to please the world rather than God.  Our goal should be to please God.  But the temptation is always to seek to please men or to avoid their displeasure.  In an effort to be more acceptable to men we often fall into the world’s way of thinking and acting.

Put off any hurt, doubt, fear, rebellion, self-centeredness, lust, bitterness, negative thoughts and corrupt thinking and put on God's thoughts.

If we are not willing to yield, set aside and relinquish our own thoughts, then our thinking process will never be renewed and our lives will never be transformed.  God wants us to have the supernatural ability to discern everything that happens to us from His vantage point and His perspective and not get buried by own negative thoughts an feeling or by what we can “see” going on.  If we can see from his perspective, then we’ll be able to soar above our circumstances, our problems and our trails and not get buried under them. Whatever a man thinketh so is he.  We need the spirit of God to renew our minds and break down our hard hearts that blind and corrupt our minds.

Does the world see a kind person when they see us, or a tough nut to crack?  Do we carry a haughty or self-absorbed expression on our face, or a welcoming smile?  Do they see us groomed in a way that shows respect to others, or in a way that says, “I’m my own individual and I don’t really care if it bothers other people”?  Do they hear humility in our tone of voice, or arrogance?  Do they see someone who wastes his time and money, or do they see someone who is a faithful steward of God’s resources?  Does our attitude give the impression that we are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God?  If we are going to stop conforming to the world’s values, it goes far beyond stopping sinful actions.  It demands kindness, respect, and humility in our attitudes and forms of communication, rather than selfishness and pride.

Blessings, Love and Kindness,

Kim