I have heard it said that you can’t please God and man. What do you think about that? Do you ever find yourself in a compromising situation when it comes to pleasing God, others, or yourself? This really is one of those places that sitting on the fence is not where we want to be, for it may prove to be dangerous.
I have heard people say that they prefer to be neutral as the Swiss when they do not want to take a stand. They have argued that it is better to be safe and not declare who they are for, or against, as then they cannot be blamed for taking sides. When I was thinking of Swiss neutrality today, I did a quick history search of this law that has been on the books for 200 years. It is many things, but simple to explain it is not, and using it as safe ground to run to does not serve us well.
Playing it safe is not who we are called to be. Instead, we have been given rights and authority as believers that compel us to take action. Taking action is all about declaring our allegiance to Christ. Our battle cry must be obvious to those that see us, and hear our words. Those words may be spoken gently, privately, with compassion, but they must be spoke with a passionate fire. Others should have no doubt in seeing that we take a firm stand in accordance with what we believe.
Our pastor recently spoke about the importance of being a people who change the world around us. He said that we are movers and shakers when we put God first, and that when we choose to please people we lose our capacity to please God. I think that sums it up quite nice. Who are we here to please, God or man?
Revelation 2:2-5 CSB I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate evil people. You have tested those that call themselves apostles and are not, and you have found them to be liars. I know that you have preserved and endured hardships for the sake of My name, and have not grown weary. But I have this against you: You have abandoned that love you had at first. Remember then how far you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.