Are You Pleased?

I walked away from a conversation at the beginning of the week feeling like a loser.  Why did I feel like a loser?  The person had made one remark that felt like a put down, and I came to the conclusion that I was not pleasing them.  I struggled hard as the accuser (Revelation 12:9-10) used this conversation to bombard me with all the reasons I should give up, quit, walk away from what I was trying to do. It's ironic that one of my thoughts shortly after the conversation was, "oh well, everyone's a critic."  I know I can't please everyone.  If I try to please one person, the very thing I do to satisfy their wishes will offend or disappoint someone else.  Regardless of what I know, I let myself be taken down that dark and bumpy road. 

I started to pray about it.  What else could I do.  I was a mess.  I was discouraged and depressed, and I had no ability to change this persons view of me.  But praise be to God, when I asked for his help he reminded me that I don't have to please people. I knew this, but when God tells me something it means more than my knowledge.  He is truth.  What He says is.  The verse that I was lead to was Galatians 1:10  "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."  

As long as I am obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit who is always consistent with the written word,  I don't have to worry what anyone else thinks of me.  There are people who don't like me, the things I do, or sometimes just the way I do them.  I may feel sad sometimes, but I can have peace and joy knowing that God is pleased.  He's made me his child.  (John 1:12) I am an heir with Christ!  (Romans 8:17)  He helps me to do what is right, though sometimes I try to go it alone and I fail.  I am sinful and flawed, (Romans 3:23) but Christ has paid the debt for my sin (1 Corinthians 15:3-5), and the Holy Spirit is working in me to make me more like Christ as I walk with him (Romans 12:2).  I am under construction, and I won't be perfect until God calls me home (Philippians 1:6), then I will be a completely finished masterpiece. (1 Corinthians 15:51) 

My actions fall short of pleasing God, but He is pleased with me because he sees the righteousness of His Son.  (2 Corinthians 5:21)  As I strive in this world to be a pleasing aroma, let it be for God alone. (2 Corinthians 2:15)  I will be considerate of people to the best of my ability, but I will have to let go of trying to please them. (Romans 12:18) I will serve them as Christ taught me to, but if they reject me I am not responsible for that decision. (John 13:14) (John 15:18)  (Luke 10:16) I will live my life for Jesus who gave His life for me, and I will strive to please God and not man.  

So, don't answer the question in the title.  It really doesn't matter as long as God is pleased.  :)