One of the things that Paul talks about is who to serve, whose favor to seek, one of the verses that is clearest on this is Galatians 1:10.
But the concept shows up other places, some really obvious, others more obscure. Romans 1:25 is one that I saw just now. The key phrase is, "worshipping the creature rather than the creator."
Is it not true that when we seek to please someone, we are in fact worshipping them? In our relationships, all of them, it would seem that I should not be seeking the favor of the individual, but the favor of the one who created that individual. That would change the way I approach all people. It would put significant shoe leather to Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 2:3 – 11.
Additionally, if my goal is to please God in my dealings with people, to approach them on the basis of serving Him and His goals rather than mine. It seems to me that I would always be successful in relationships. I cannot hope to expect people to respond positively, but I can honor and serve God in the midst of the relationship regardless of how the other person responds.
Is it not true that when we seek to please someone, we are in fact worshipping them? In our relationships, all of them, it would seem that I should not be seeking the favor of the individual, but the favor of the one who created that individual. That would change the way I approach all people. It would put significant shoe leather to Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 2:3 – 11.
Additionally, if my goal is to please God in my dealings with people, to approach them on the basis of serving Him and His goals rather than mine. It seems to me that I would always be successful in relationships. I cannot hope to expect people to respond positively, but I can honor and serve God in the midst of the relationship regardless of how the other person responds.
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