February 20, 2000
Volume XX - Number 8  


Mike McDaniel

Everybody lives to please somebody. Many live to please themselves. Christians cannot go through life pleasing only themselves. Paul wrote, "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves" (Romans 15: 1).

We must be careful when it. comes to trying to please others. It is possible to please others and honor God, but it is also possible to please others and dishonor God in the process. Paul said, "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ" (Galatians 1: 10). We cannot be the servant of Christ while seeking to please others. As a servant, our concern must be to please our Master.

There is an old story about an elderly man who was traveling with a boy and a donkey. As they walked through a village, the man was leading the donkey and the boy was walking behind. The townspeople said the old man was foolish for not riding, so to please them he climbed upon the animal's back. When they came to the next village, the people said the old man was cruel to let the child walk while he enjoyed the ride. So, to please them, he got off, set the boy on the animal's back, and continued on his way. In the third village, people accused the child of being lazy for making the old man walk, and the suggestion was made that they both ride. So the man climbed on and they set off again. In the fourth village, the townspeople were indignant at the cruelty to the donkey because he was made to carry two people. The frustrated man was last seen carrying the donkey down the road.

We smile, but this story makes a good point. We can't please everybody. If we try to please everybody, we will end up carrying a heavy burden that is impossible for us to bear. Elders, deacons, preachers, and all Christians desperately need to learn this principle. Well-meaning people may offer us advice, and much of it is valuable. But when we try to please everyone, often we please no one, and easily become frustrated and confused.

In light of this, it is crucial that we resign ourselves to the fact that it is impossible to please everybody, no matter what you say and do. That is why we all need to remember that the One we must please above all others is Christ. This was Paul's attitude when he ministered in Thessalonica. He wrote, "But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak,, not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts" (I Thessalonians 2:4).

Pleasing God ought to be the major motive of the Christian's life in all things. Enoch walked with God, and before God took him, Enoch "had this testimony, that he pleased God" (Hebrews 11: 5). Jesus said, "And He that sent me is with me. the Father hath not left me alone, for I do always those things that please Him" (John 8:29).

How do we know what pleases God? As we read His Word, we get to know the heart and will of God and that which pleases and displeases Him (2 Peter 1:3). We should make it our goal to be filled with that knowledge and live accordingly. Paul prayed that the Colossians "Might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness" (Colossians 1:9-11). Inner joy and peace comes from knowing that one is living a faithful Christian life that is well-pleasing unto God. Whom to Please?

Let's please God!

Our hearts go out in sympathy to the family and friends of Floy Murphy who passed away this past Wednesday in Vero Beach, after a lengthy illness. Sister Murphy was a long time member here at Orange Street. The viewing is today (Sunday) 5-7 pm at Kerseys and the funeral is 11 am tomorrow (Monday), here at Orange Street.

Restored
We apologize for failing to note in last week's bulletin that sister Becky Ritchie came forward last Wednesday a week ago, asking for forgiveness, strength, and the prayers of the congregation. Keep Becky in your daily prayers.

3rd Sunday Singing
The South Florida Avenue congregation in Lakeland will host this month's Third Sunday Singing - this afternoon at 3:00. All are invited to attend and participate.

Senior Singles
Next Saturday, February 26th, the Single Senior members of the congregation are scheduled to have a fellowship dinner in the annex. See Eugene DeBord or Annie Chambers for further information.

New Members
Please note that the following members have asked to be identified with the work here at Orange Street. Please add the following information to your directories:

STEARSMAN, Jackie & Joyce . . . . . . . . . ./////-////////
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Keely Watkins, Jeff Brooks, B.C. Carr, Robert Cox, Barb Faught,
Latanea Sims, Janella Ash, Theresa Chadwick, Sue Church, Norris Clark,
Ervin & Alma Eubanks, Clay Hightower, Brice Oliver, Macon Cox, James & Dot Thornhill, Travis Thornhill, Robert West, Mary Batey, Bob Hodgdon, Jean Clark, Vannie Dowdy, Vera Willis, Juanita Ashley, Sherry Hobbs,
Mattie Hughs, Virgie Liles, Olivia Miner, Alzonio Rhodes, Frances Black,
James Howell, Doc Anderson, Elizabeth Gillespie,
Talmadge Royal, George Willis, Victoria Wooster