Do You Want To Please God or Man?

Acts 24:22 ²² But when Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way, he adjourned the proceedings and said, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on your case.” ²³ So he commanded the centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty, and told him not to forbid any of his friends to provide for or visit him. ²⁴ And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. ²⁵ Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” ²⁶ Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, [g]that he might release him. Therefore, he sent for him more often and conversed with him. ²⁷ But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound.

Felix the governor had more accurate knowledge of the Way, that is the knowledge of Jesus. He knew that Paul was falsely accused. So, he showed Paul favour by allowing him to have some liberty. He gave permission for Paul’s friends to visit him and provided for him. Felix also, from time to time, sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Jesus Christ. When Paul was speaking about righteousness, self-control and the judgment, Felix was afraid. But at the same time, Felix hoped that Paul would give him money that he might release him. Overall, Felix knew the Truth and had the fear of God, but he also had the love for money. Finally, instead of choosing God’s way and please Him, Felix chose to please men. The Bible says that Felix wanting to do the Jews a favour, left Paul bound in prison.

Today, many people are like Felix. They know that God’s ways are always right and true, yet they choose the worldly way. Instead of pleasing God, they please man.

As Christians, we must be God pleasers and not men pleasers.

Galatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.

(Contributed by Regina Ebenezer – church worker)

Read The Bible In One Year

Morning     Colossians 4

Evening      Isaiah 39-40