Pleasing Self or Pleasing God

Introduction

Your focus for living - either to please self or to please God - is revealed by your responses to life’s situations (based on Mark 7:20-23, 8:34-35; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Galatians 5:17-25; Colossians 1:9-12; James 1:14-15, 22-25; James 4:17). This focus is dramatically illustrated by the translation of various New Testament words describing some of these responses. The same words in the original language of the New Testament are translated differently according to their emphasis on pleasing self or pleasing God, as illustrated below.

WORRY vs CONCERN

You sin when you WORRY or are ANXIOUS (translated “take no thought” or “be careful for nothing” in the KJV), because both are self-centered responses that reveal a lack of trust in God’s care and sovereignty in your life (Matthew 6:25-34, 10:16-20; Luke 12:22-31; Philippians 4:6-7).

However, you walk in God’s way when you have CONCERN or CARE FOR the welfare of others and the glory of God (1 Corinthians 12:25; 2 Corinthians 11:28; Philippians 2:20).

FEAR vs REVERENCE

You sin by focusing on self when you live in FEAR of men (what they think or what they can do to you) (Matthew 10:28; Luke 12:4; 1 Peter 3:13-14).

However, you please God when you are living a holy life, REVERENCING (the same New Testament word translated as FEARING) the Lord (2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Peter 1:14-17), with the promise of His blessings to follow (Psalm 103:17; 112:1; 128:1, 4; Acts 10:34-35).

COVETOUSNESS/LUST vs DESIRE

You sin when you COVET. It is forbidden by God since it selfishly focuses on possessing what does not belong to you (Romans 13:9). The same New Testament word translated “covet” is also used for “lust” (a desire for self-gratification) (Romans 13:14; James 1:14-15).

However, you demonstrate godliness when you DESIRE or HAVE GREAT DESIRE to please God and edify others (Philippians 1:23; 1 Thessalonians 2:17; Hebrews 6:11). (The New Testament word translated “desire” or “great desire” is translated as “lust” when there is self-focus in view.)

JEALOUSY vs ZEAL

You sin when you are JEALOUS. JEALOUSY is full of evil (James 3:13-18), is part of the deeds of darkness (Romans 13:12-14), and is a detriment to spiritual maturity (1 Corinthians 3:1-3).

However, you please the Lord when you have ZEAL, an earnest desire to please God and edify others (The same New Testament word is translated “envying” or “jealousy” when focused on self) (John 2:17; 1 Corinthians 12:31, 14:39; 2 Corinthians 7:6-7, 11; 9:2).