PLEASING THE CROWD

There is a story told about an old carnival man who was nicknamed “Cannonball.” When he was much younger, he was blasted out of a cannon around 1,200 times. When he was asked why he did this, he replied, “Do you know what it’s like to feel the applause of 60,000 people? That’s why I did it!”

People have lived their lives seeking to please other people. Some do it as entertainment, but the vast majority of people do it simply to make themselves look better and to receive glory. People like to be pleased and hear things they agree with (2 Timothy 4:3). It can be easy to do and say things that will please others. It can also feel great to have people cheer, clap, and agree with what you say. But it is incredibly difficult to have people work against you and disagree with you.

Galatians 1:10 says, “For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.” In this life, the goal is never to please men and receive glory from them (Matthew 6:1-7). While many people live their lives seeking to be cheered, praised, honored, and accepted by other people, let’s remember that the true honor and glory belongs to God. Let’s focus on humbling ourselves, glorifying God, and making sure he gets the “applause,” not us.

–Brett Petrillo