“I JUST CAN’T PLEASE EVERYBODY”

I think that this is one line that everyone uses from time to time whether at home, work, school or church!

And some would add the caveat, “at least, not all of the time.” But I think the issue is more permanent than that. Some people just aren’t going to like what you’ve said/done … or maybe even parts of your personality, period. Just like we think we’re “enduring” certain people, WE’RE those certain people to others!

There are several scripture passages that tell us that back in Bible-writing times, things weren’t any different:

“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.” Romans 14:1

“You … have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.” Romans 2:1

“I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.” 2 Corinthians 12:20

“(Deacons’) wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.” I Timothy 3:11

“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.” I Thessalonians 5:15

“I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.” Philippians 4:2

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs … Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:29, 31-32

Whew! And the list could go on because we’re no different members of the Body of Christ than THEY were some 2,000 years ago. In other words, they couldn’t please everybody, either.

But they were encouraged to be kind. Indeed, as we move into a new year, I think it’s important for all of us to pray for a right spirit within, putting a positive slant on things instead of a negative one. We have plenty of T.V. shows that can do that. As Christians we’re not called to be voyeuristic desperate housewives or religious leaders (as in the new T.V. show, The Book of Daniel). We are rather called to think about those things which build each other up in the Spirit of Christ our Lord.

Oh, it’s always easy to be slandering others. Been there, done that! But it remains a nasty sin that needs confessing and removal from our lives! Let us follow the example of those who have also worked with imperfect people (and indeed, Paul was no perfect person, either!) seeking God’s forgiveness and “new Spirit within.” Poisons weaken the body. Living Water refreshes it! Let’s drink in what pleases God.

Just that.

Pastor Dan