“But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant heard this, it displeased them greatly that someone had come to seek the welfare of the people of Israel.” (Nehemiah 2:10, ESV)
Sanballat and Tobiah did not like what Nehemiah was doing. They did not want him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. This is nothing new. If you are serving God, there will be people who do not like what you are doing. You are not going to make everyone happy.
I learned the hard way that you cannot be a people pleaser in ministry. If you try to please everyone, you will usually end up upsetting everyone. There is only one we seek to please. That is God.
Worship preferences is a great example of this. I have heard it all. I have had one person tell me the music is too loud. Another person will say the music is not loud enough. One person will say I like when the pastor preaches from the pulpit. Another person will say don’t like it when the pastor preaches from the pulpit. One person will say I like singing the new songs. Another person will say I like singing the old songs.
There will alway be detractors. There will always be people displeased. It is remembering why we do what we do. We seek to serve God. It is not about what we prefer as individuals. It is about what God prefers.
Leadership is not about people pleasing. It is about setting a direction for others to follow. Those who will follow will follow. But recognize not everyone will follow.
Reflection
- Have you ever had anyone displeased with you for doing God’s will?
- How do you respond when people are displeased with you?
Prayer
Lord, I am sometimes discouraged when others express their displeasure at my hard work. I too often live as a people pleaser rather than living for your pleasure. Help me to set my sights on you. Give me the courage to live faithful to your calling rather than striving for popularity. Amen.
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