Pleaser

The last two weeks at high school Bible Study one particular young man provoked much thought for me. Two weeks ago we were talking about hearing the voice of God...how do we know when we hear God speaking and when is it just us justifying what it is we really want for ourselves. He said, "When God speaks it's always the same, when it's my thought it constantly changes." I love teenagers for their perspective.

Then, last night we were discussing how Jesus didn't come in the form or fashion expected by people, not quite the King the Jews wanted, and his opportunity to please humanity over God. The Jewish leaders believing in Jesus after Jesus' Palm Sunday entrance, decided not to admit believing in Jesus because they desired to please humanity more than God. (All based on our studies from the book of John.) The same young man spoke of all the boxes people try to put him into based on "God's will" or "the Bible says..." He is an amazing artist and wants to become an art teacher one day, but family members are pressuring him to "set your standards higher, don't sell yourself short."

I think the times we truly "sell our selves short" are really the times we don't listen to the constant, consistent voice of God in our lives and work to please Jesus, not humanity. With responsibilities, bills, retirement, health insurance, and society's expectations I often forget to be a God pleaser, rather than a people pleaser, and it really goes far beyond just being a "Good Christian."

God, help me hear your voice above all other voices.