Without faith, it is not possible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6) God is pleased when believers surrender themselves as a living sacrifice, which is true worship. (Romans 12:1) Many try to please people instead of God. The reason could be survival, approval, or popularity. The priority, primacy, and supremacy of pleasing God surpass all other relationships and commitments. Loving and being loved, accepting and being accepted, belonging, and being part of a group are human quests and desires. Sadly, many people try to please others and end up feeling dejected and deceived.
Spouse: A few people have abandoned Christ to please their spouses. They chose to be yoked with unbelievers and work hard to please them. Expectations of spouses are fulfilled even when it dishonors God and His commandments.
Children: Some parents priorities their children. They allow their children to choose wicked ways, as they do not want their children to be hurt. Eli dishonored God by not restraining his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who were vile and stole the sacrificial meat. (I Samuel 3:13) Eli failed to please God by allowing his sons to blaspheme God’s name.
Relatives: Some wish to please relatives, such as uncles and aunts or nephews and nieces. Pleasing them instead of pleasing God for survival or support is common.
People in authority: Employees wish to please their boss. Students wish to please their teachers. Many people like to please people with authority, like bureaucrats, politicians, and even thugs who rule the streets. Early Christians refused to declare ‘Caesar is Lord,’ but declared ‘Jesus is Lord.’
Community – culture: For some, culture is divine. They do not want to deviate from traditions, customs, rituals, and practices. Such cultural practices may violate God’s commandments. For example, giving preference to caste, rather than treating all as equals, does not please God.
Mammon: It is not possible to please and serve two masters. (Matthew 6:24) Some are willing to please anyone and do anything to gain material prosperity. Money, wealth, and material inheritance take precedence over God, His requirements, His Kingdom, and righteousness.
Whom do I seek to please every day in all areas of life?