Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men–pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. (Col 3:22)

Have you ever walked backwards before?
It’s kinda fun.
But it’s not very effective.

As I was praying this morning, this verse came to mind:

…for I always do those things that please Him.”

Even in Gethsemane — when all of his humanity cried out for another way — He submitted, willingly to the will of the Father.

I believe that we approach life and ministry backwards.
We make it our goal to please men.
In our personal and professional life — if we try to please everyone all the time, we will burn out.

But if my aim is to please the Father in all things — often times men will be pleased as well. (Acts 2:47).

But I think in ministry, and particularly the church — we work backwards.
Oh sure, ultimately we want to please the Lord in all the things we do.
But rather than ordering worship, teaching, church life around what will bring the most glory to the Father, and please Him best — we order these things around what will please visitors.
Or what will attract newcomers.
Or what will satiate a certain segment of the congregation.

In ministry though, as in life — when our aim is to please the Father — men will be pleased as well.
Because He is good. And the things that please Him, are pleasant, and good and right.

We must run for His glory.
We must be passionate for the things that please Him.
We must always do what pleases the Father.

And soon enough — men will see that Father knows best.