Everyday we live our lives in front of others! There will be times when people will be very pleased with what we do, say, and live! But there will be other times when people will not like, agree, appreciate or understand what we do, say, and live! The flesh-man naturally wants to be flattered, be agreed with, popular, the center of attention, and appreciated in order to elevate the ego with pride, and feelings of self-centered adoration, which may include a fake presentation of life to others, or even prideful religious activities. But a surrendered and on-going crucified life in Christ, filled with the Holy Spirit, and moving towards Oneness with Yahweh, desires to first and foremost follow and please God not man or even ourselves!
Paul, while exhorting and encouraging the church in Galatia not to be deceived and fall away from the “grace gospel” said, “I’m obviously not trying to flatter you or water down my message to be popular with men, but my supreme passion is to please God. For if all I attempt to do is please people, I would not be the true servant of the Messiah” (Galatians1:10tPt). Our old identity has been crucified with Messiah and no longer lives; for the nails of his cross crucified me with him. And now the essence of this new life is no longer mine, for the Anointed One lives his life through me- we live in union as one! My new life is empowered by the faith of the Son of God who loves me so much that he gave himself for me, and dispenses his life into mine!” (Galatians2:20tPt)
When we feel feeble and overwhelmed by life, we will cry out for our Father’s help and go deeper into the desire to please, love, and obey Him. When we feel that we are firmly held in His wrap-around presence, we will experience His glory! We will hide our life in Lord Yahweh! He has heard our heartfelt resolutions to love and serve Him, for we are His beloved. Through losing our life, we will find an inheritance of rich treasures, which He gives to all His lovers!
“I will live enthroned with you forever! Guard me, God, with your unending, unfailing love. Let me live my days walking in grace and truth before YOU. And my praises will fill the heavens forever, fulfilling my vow to make every day a love gift to you!” (Psalm61:7-8tPt).
