Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 18 Sep 2007

Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 18 Sep 2007

One of the hardest things to do is to have the right balance of helping people, and when not to be too much of a man pleaser. So often we walk on the extremes, and today’s word of encouragement is letting God lead and direct. Yes, it is important that we help people, especially those in need. But if we go to the extreme it may not necessarily be the most beneficial. Paul says it best, everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial. In 1 Thess 2:4 the word of God says, 4 On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. Ultimately everything that we do, we are accountable for our actions, and God knows when we are doing things to please men and not God. Pleasing men is not just for personal gain, but it is putting people and their issues, their problems above God. It is as though we feel that if we don’t help, no one will, and not even God can help. But let me ask you this; if we take things into our own hands, and God is not reigning in the lives of those we help, doesn’t that defeat the purpose? God’s called us to help others yes, but God needs reign in the lives of those we help. Yet on the other hand, the other extreme are people who are not at all helpful, and aren’t concerned with those around them but more focused on their own needs. I need this, I need that, I want this and I want that. I need…I want… 1 Thess 5:14 Paul says, And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. God has called us all to care for others, help those in need. Today let us pray for a balance, and let God lead and direct us. God will instruct us, when we need to help others, and when we are too extreme and man pleasing. © Sept 2007 Shaun Lee