Thoughts for another day

April 16, 2007

Today's verse: Lk. 16:15. Ye are they, which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

There is an error that lies in the heart of man: The ‘desire’ to look good before the world and please others. We somehow tend to seek favor from the denizens of the world more than we seek favor from the Lord of Heaven. Jesus clearly mentions this in John 5:44. I’d say, this is a real tragedy for mankind because he pleases man and thus puts himself in line for God’s retribution, having not sought His hand on his life.

This error is the root of most strife in the world. It beckons the base nature of man, which seeks to look good before the world. Conceit and covetousness arise, as well as the desire to conquer, plunder and inappropriately reign, rule supreme. In this we tend to forget what we are here for and do the exact opposite of what we should really be doing.

A good look at our own lives will also reveal the absurdity of our actions in seeking gratification from man. Don’t we try to please those in authority so that we could be seen as hobnobbing with them and thus appear to be powerful? Don’t we seek positions of honor to show the world that we are achievers? Ah, how we want to show the others that we’ve arrived! This list can go on but suffice it to say that God is not pleased with this endeavor.

God yearns that we please Him above all. He wants to bless us and give us full lives but this can happen only when we give Him the no. 1 place in our world. God is pleased with those who seek His favor and don’t mind looking foolish before the world. Come to think of it, isn’t it much foolishness to please temporary man rather than please the Eternal One. Question, what would your status be on this?