We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority.

1 Thessalonians 2

We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. v4-6

As Paul describes his ministry and the opposition he faced (v2) he goes on to remark about how it does not matter whether he faced opposition or not because he knows that God wants him to continue doing what he is doing and it does not matter how others feel about his ministry as long as it pleases God.  

Many of us seek earthly recognition, status, etc. and this is a powerful idol.  This begs the question of how do we know if what we are doing is pleasing to God.  Renewal of the mind is key.  This is a significant area of study - John Piper has many thoughts on this topic.  

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has provided great clarity for me in many areas of my life and Your will - thank You Jesus.  I depend on You for direction and clarity and without it I would be utterly lost!  I am undeserving of Your wisdom and love.  I sin daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.

1 Timothy 5

The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.  v24-25

Paul encourages Timothy to remain pure and the words above talk to how Timothy should be mindful of humility...that no sin and no good deed goes unnoticed by God and that we cannot escape judgement.  The implied message is also one of humility...that our focus should not be on pleasing others but God...too often we chase earthly approval vs pleasing God.  

Related passages:
Luke 8:17
1 Corinthians 4:5
Daniel 2:21-22
Colossians 3:12
Philippians 2:3-4
Luke 18:14
Acts 20:24 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, creator of all things, above all things, before all time and after all time.  There is no God like You.  You are the one true God.  You know everything about me, and You chose me even before I was born, knowing everything about my sin and brokenness.  You have a plan for me and I know it is great.  Yet I too often lack trust and I worry in my heart, etc.  Thank You for dealing with me gently, with patience and compassion.  I am not worth Your love and blessing Jesus!  Please forgive me for my worry.  Help me overcome my sin and turn towards You instead.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of this cancer!  Praise God for how You have worked to reduce the tumor Jesus.  You are a great God - thank You!  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority.

1 Thessalonians 2

We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. v4-6

We are to please God NOT people.

This message is clear also from:
- Galatians 1
- Galatians 6


My Prayer: Lord You are a great God worthy of my praise as You created the heavens and the earth and everything that inhabits the universe.  Your love for me and all of Your children knows no bounds and everything You do is pure, holy, blameless, and perfect.  You know everything about me, including my sin, yet You chose me as pure, holy, and blameless in Your sight, and You chose to come to earth to suffer and die for my (and everyone's) sins.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a gift.  I often try to please either myself or others...this is wrong!  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You instead.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith. Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of this cancer.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin.  Help me please You above all.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.