Questions I’m Asking Myself–Part One June 17, 2008

The other morning I spent some time reading through Isaiah 42 and Isaiah 43…and several questions popped into my mind that I thought might be beneficial if I shared.  (When I link the verses they will appear in the NIV; however, I will type them out in the translation I am currently reading, which is the NLT.)

Isaiah 42:1, “Look at my servant, whom I strengthen.  He is my chosen one who pleases me.  I have put my Spirit upon him.  He will bring justice to the nations.”

Question #1 – Am I living a life that fully pleases God?  

I once heard Brad Cooper say, “You can please God and disappoint people, or you can disappoint God and please people…but you can’t do both.”  He was so right.

As I look back in life some of my biggest mistakes have been when I’ve…

A. Tried to please myself - Seriously, I am probably one of the most selfish people that I know.  I can honestly say that 99.9% of the time I’ve gotten ill with Lucretia has been because of my selfish desires.  The Bible says in James 4:1-3 that this attitude is just not a good thing to have–ever.  ANYTIME I place what pleases me in front of what pleases God–I screw up.

B. Tried to please others – One of the largest temptations a pastor faces is the one to try and please everyone.  It can’t be done.  If you are a pastor (or a human being for that matter) SOMEONE is always going to be angry with you…no matter what you do.  AND you will also discover that everyone has an opinion as to how you should live your life and lead the church.

(Remember–opinions are like rear ends…everyone has one and MOST of them are incredible large and stink!)

The verse spoke volumes to me.  I literally stopped and prayed when I read it, asking God to show me how to live a life that is FULLY pleasing to Him.  That’s what I want…more than anything in the world.  And in doing so I know I will have to cast some things aside AND be willing to disappoint people.

How about you–would you be willing to ask God that question?