Proverbs 29:25 KJV
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
If your heart is right with God, you have no desire to hurt anyone. After all, the commandment of the New Testament is love. We are to love God first and our neighbor second (Matthew 22:36-40). This article is not about casting people aside or not caring how your decisions effect other people. People matter to God and they should matter to us!
My question today is this, “What do you do when you’ve heard from God, but you know others will not be happy with the direction you’ve received?” You have prayed and sought God’s face. God has plainly given you direction. But you know when you take action and obey God, others will not be pleased. You have a choice to make! Will you please God or will you please man?
In 1 Samuel Chapter 15 God told King Saul to go and destroy the Amalekites. He told him to destroy them all and spare nothing. Long story short, Saul went in and half way obeyed God. God was not pleased with Saul and sent Samuel to rebuke him. In 1 Samuel 15:24 Saul said, “… I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.” Saul lost his position as King because he pleased himself and others instead of God!
Do you have direction from God in your heart today that you’ve yet to act on because of how you think others will respond? If so, our scripture above applies to you. Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man bringeth a snare…” The Passion Translation of verse 25 says, “Fear and intimidation is a trap that holds you back.”
Always remember, God is our loving Father and only wants what’s best for us. If he’s given you direction, then that’s what’s best for you. In reality, it’s also what’s best for others. After all, you are most effective in the perfect will of God!
While you should always love everyone, when you have to make a decision to please God or people, the decision should be easy! Don’t allow yourself to be caught in the trap of what others think! Please God and move forward with his plan for your life!
