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REFLECTION

“Not to please mortals” is the theme for our reflection. Not to please mortals means refusal to live according to the desires, satisfaction or pleasure of people as opposed to living according to the will of God. Paul indicated in his letter to the Christians in Thessalonica that in their ministry to them as Apostles “… our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.” (1 Thessalonians 2:3-4). In other words, Paul and his co-workers are under obligation as Apostles or preachers of the Gospel to preach the Gospel according to the will of God which is towards transformation and salvation of souls and not to soothe the ears of their audience.

Dear friend in the Lord, why do some pastors, evangelists and preachers preach the Gospel to please people and not God? The reasons have been mentioned by Paul in His letter to the Thessalonian Christians and they are:

1. Some preach the Gospel to please mortals by flattering their audience for their approval. Paul made it clear to the Thessalonians, “For we never came with words of flattery…” (1 Thessalonians 2:5). Remember that Paul tells Timothy that “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The message of God is not delivered for the purpose of flattery but to teach, reproof, correct and train in righteousness. It is rather unfortunate that these are the same reasons some preachers are reviled and made unpopular by their audience. John the Baptist, Stephen and Jesus Christ are examples of people who were hated and persecuted because they did not preach to flatter people. What kind of preacher are you? What kind of preacher do you listen to and why?
2. Some preach the Gospel to please people for their selfish gains or profit. Paul again made it clear to the Thessalonians that they did not preach “… with a pretext for greed…” (1 Thessalonians 2:5). Jesus admonishes us to “…proclaim as you go, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the labourer deserves his food.” (Matthew 10:7-10) In other words, if we faithfully proclaim the Gospel without pleasing mortals but to please God, He “will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
3. Some preach the Gospel to be glorified by people or to become popular. “Nor did we seek glory from people” (1 Thessalonians 2:6). We are again admonished by Jesus that “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16). We cannot take the place of God, we must humble ourselves and give glory to God even as we spread the Gospel for the salvation of many. Shalom.

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, guide and strengthen us in our service to the Lord and may we never please mortals but live to please and glorify God through the preaching of the Gospel and living by the perfect example of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.