Read
Daniel 6:13, “Then they said to the king, ‘Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.’”
Galatians 1:10, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Think
From the outside, it looked like Daniel was in hot water. A group of officials finally trapped him into defying the king’s decree. In reality, Daniel was just doing what he had done his entire life – praying to God. But in their jealousy, they used Daniel’s act of obedience to God to pit the king against him. To some, it may seem as though it would have been easier for Daniel not to pray. But he was more committed to pleasing his God than his king.
It is easy to get caught up in the pleaser game. We convince ourselves that if we just go along with what everyone else wants and agree with what they say, then life should be easy. Unfortunately, what “everyone else” wants usually isn’t what God wants. Somehow, we forget that while God’s plan may not always be easy, it is always the right choice.
When we choose to focus on the desires of those who are not focused on God, we miss His plan every time. Compromising what pleases God to make sure we please those around us only hurts our relationship with God. Think about it this way: When we please God, it doesn’t matter who we displease. And when we displease God, it doesn’t matter who we please! Who are you trying to please?
Act
When you consider decisions that need to be made, who do you listen to? Read Proverbs 3:5-6. And remember, His ways are always the best.
Pray
Father God, thank You for providing Your instructions for our lives. I know Your plans are so much better than mine. Help me to remember that, as long as my decisions please You, it doesn’t matter who else I displease. Amen.