During my tenure in the court system, I observed a case involving a parent who had not paid child support for an extended period. Having been arrested, the individual was escorted from jail to the courtroom for his hearing and proceeded to explain to the judge that various financial obligations—such as electricity, water, and car payments—had prevented timely payment of child support. While I had compassion with the parent’s situation, the judge’s response was notably candid: “Of all these bills you have mentioned the judge asked, which one would result in your imprisonment if left unpaid?” This remark left a lasting impression on me. I saw firsthand how protecting a child’s well-being and financial security took priority over consumer debts and other financial obligations in the legal system.
I felt compassion for the individual, but the judge stayed firmly within the law and showed no emotion or partiality. The parent didn’t like the outcome, but it was the legal truth.
The Bible is very clear, John 5:22, “For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son”. Jesus is the Righteous Judge (1 John 2:1-2). There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 13:42), at His final judgment.
God only speaks truth and commands all who follow Him to do the same. No matter, whether people love us or we get cancelled (culture) because of what we share. When we obey God to preach and teach the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the outcome of our choice to obey, is well pleasing to God. On the contrary, when we seek and desire the approval of others, and speak what makes them happy, God cannot be pleased with our lack of faith.
Many people—friends, pastors, and even the well-meaning—fall into the trap of softening truth to dodge rejection. It’s human nature to want to be liked, but God has never called His people to win a popularity contest. He calls us to stand firm, speak truth, and walk upright before Him, even when it’s not applauded.
When you choose to be genuine before God, you may lose approval from people, but you gain something far greater: His favor, His peace, and a clean conscience. In the long run, truth always outlives flattery. And the Lord has never failed to honor those who honor Him.
It is better to walk alone in obedience than be surrounded by people who only love the version of you that compromises. Keep choosing truth. God sees it, and He rewards it.
The Bible verse “we must obey God rather than men” is found in Acts 5:29. This statement is a direct quote from the Apostle Peter, who spoke it to the high priest and the religious council after they had been arrested for preaching about Jesus.
The context is that Peter and the apostles were forbidden to preach in the name of Jesus, but they continued to do so.
When confronted by the authorities, Peter’s response, “We must obey God rather than men,” established that God’s commands take precedence over human authority, particularly when they are in conflict.
Other instances in the Bible of Daniel’s friends (Daniel 3:15-18), where Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego declare they will not obey the king’s command to worship a golden image, and (Matthew 10:28), where Jesus warns his followers “not to fear those who can only harm the body, but to fear God who can destroy both body and soul”.
As ministers and believers today, the principle is the same. We are called to serve people, but not necessarily to please them.
There can be a very thin line between pleasing man and pleasing God. As servants of the church, we want to serve in the church and serve others. We want to present the Gospel so people can receive it. Yet on the other hand, we can’t water down the Gospel to please some people — because, first and foremost, we’re to please God.
Paul was defining his primary motive in ministry. Although he was called to be a servant of the Church and to be pleasing to the Body of Christ, his chief responsibility was and always would be to be pleasing to God first. Paul’s eyes continually remained on the Lord. Another servant – King David, enquired of the Lord before going out to battle. True servants of God, want to please God. This principle applies to every one of us as believers in every walk of life. We must make sure our first goal is to please God, even when it means that what we’re doing with our lives might not please everyone around us. Our highest aim should be to fulfill His purposes for our lives and to make as many inroads as possible into people’s hearts with the truth of the Gospel and the love of God as we go through each day. Living lives as examples so they will want to imitate us. Bring God Glory!
The Bible tells us to take moments to look at your own heart and examine the motives of why you do what you do. We are called to love everyone and serve others. But your highest ambition should be to please the Lord.
Love the people and please the Lord — that has to be our goal!
Moses & Marguerite Wafula
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