An old fable that has been passed down for generations tells about an elderly man who was traveling with a boy and a donkey. As they walked through a village, the man was leading the donkey and the boy was walking behind. The townspeople said the old man was a fool for not riding, so to please them he climbed up on the animal’s back. When they came to the next village, the people said the old man was cruel to let the child walk while he enjoyed the ride. So, to please them, he got off and set the boy on the animal’s back and continued on his way. In the third village, people accused the child of being lazy for making the old man walk, and the suggestion was made that they both ride. So the man climbed on and they set off again. In the fourth village, the townspeople were indignant at the cruelty to the donkey because he was made to carry two people. The frustrated man was last seen carrying the donkey down the road.
You can’t please everyone! And can be very frustrating to even try to do so because it’s physically impossible. The truth of the matter is, even if we could please everyone, we shouldn’t. In fact, trying to please others can distract from the One we should be pleasing, if we’re not careful.
Though Paul was certainly mindful of the feelings of others, he wrote:
“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10, NIV)
Found lately that everyone isn’t pleased with your decisions? Don’t lose any sleep over it, as long as you’re seeking to please the only ONE that really matters!
Have a great day!
~Alan Smith
