As I write this devotion, I share with you my 40 + years of experience as pastor. I served at my first church for seven years, and I have now served at Bethlehem Baptist Church close to 36 years. During this time, I have discovered, the hard way, that you cannot please people. No matter what you do, somebody will always disagree. No matter what you say, someone will always find fault. But I have also discovered the most important thing in life is to please God. Always keep God at the center of everything you strive to do, and God will bless you. In 1 John 2:17, we find these words:

“And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.”

The writer speaks about not living for momentary achievements but living in a way that will please God in order to have something that will last forever. He warns about being in love with this world, and not to spend our time trying to win approval from people but spend time searching God’s approval. He wants the people to live each day in a way that would please God. He knows full well that this is the only thing that counts. When you get a chance, read this entire chapter. Prayerfully, you will learn, as I have, how to please God. Prayerfully, it will not take you as a long as it took me. I will continue striving, each day, in all my ways, to please God. Prayerfully, you will too!