Honoring God before Man

Acts 5:27-29 (NLT)—Then they brought the apostles in before the council. Didn’t we tell you never again to teach in this man’s name?” the high priest demanded. “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about Jesus, and you intend to blame us for his death!” But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than human authority.” (Read Acts 5:17-42 for the full account of the opposition).

Galatians 1:10 (NLT)—Obviously, I’m not trying to be a people pleaser! No, I am trying to please God. If I were still trying to please people, I would not be Christ’s servant.

We, as Christians, know that God’s law is the supreme law, the law that we must obey even if it means that the world may reject us, condemn us, or threaten us with bodily harm. It is not easy, but it is made easier with our faith in Jesus Christ. We must obey God rather than man, especially when it comes to the difficult moral questions and immorality of our times. There are so many controversial issues in our nation and mere men do not have the answers.

I found a wonderful quote from Mother Teresa of Calcutta that I would love to share with you, if I may. She intimately and humbly said:

“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.

If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have and it may never be good enough. Give your best anyway.

For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It is never between you and ‘them’ anyway.”

Isn’t that perfect! She is exactly right. It is between every individual and God. A personal relationship with Jesus is the first and most important step we need to take to please God. God is the one we need to live for and to honor. He is the one that created us. He deserves all of our love and respect. Trust Him with confidence. Praise God for giving you life, and honor him with obedience every day.