PLEASING THE SELF
1 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, AND NOT TO PLEASE OURSELVES.
2 LET EACH OF US PLEASE HIS NEIGHBOR FOR HIS GOOD, LEADING TO EDIFICATION.
3 FOR EVEN CHRIST DID NOT PLEASE HIMSELF; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.”
Romans 15:1-3 (NKJV)
Believers are saved not to live to please the self. After you have pledged your allegiance to Christ Jesus, you accepted Him as your Saviour and Lord, you are not to live an isolated life again, you are expected to be involved in other people's matter—especially that of those who are of the household of faith.
Believers who are strong are admonished to bear with the scruples—failings and struggles or doubts—of those who are weak, and they, believers, should not be overtaken, clutched or seized, about pleasing the self (Romans 15:1).
You should see it as an obligation and a responsibility to help others who are struggling to walk in their Christian faith. Do whatever is good for them that would lead to their edification (Romans 15:2).
You should not only think about your own physical and spiritual welfare, but that of your fellow believers who are struggling in their walk with God: "DON'T JUST THINK ABOUT YOUR OWN AFFAIRS, BUT BE INTERESTED IN OTHERS, TOO, AND IN WHAT THEY ARE DOING [and going through]" (Philippians 2:4 the Living Bible).
Since the ultimate goal of every believer supposed to be on becoming like Christ Jesus, both in character and demonstration of power. Thus, believers are to emulate Jesus, learn of Him, because He is the perfect example or standard for whoever claims to be His disciple or pupil or follower. The text of this teaching in verse 3 says: "FOR EVEN CHRIST DID NOT PLEASE HIMSELF . . . ." In other words, Christ did sacrifice Himself, He was on the earth to please or do the Will of God the Father (Matthew 26:39).
Someone who has pledged his or her allegiance to God through Christ Jesus should no longer live to please the self but Christ, God: "AND HE [Jesus] DIED FOR ALL, THAT THOSE WHO LIVE SHOULD LIVE NO LONGER FOR THEMSELVES, BUT FOR HIM WHO DIED FOR THEM AND ROSE AGAIN" (2 Corinthians 5:15 NKJV).
Someone said this is what I feel like doing, or this or that is what I desire or like or want to do, but If God says no, you have to shelve it—put it off or aside because God would not want it or It is contradictory to His Word.
The ultimate goal of Christ Jesus on earth was to please God the Father. Likewise, every believer's ultimate goal should be how to please the Lord, Christ Jesus: "HE [Jesus] WENT A LITTLE FARTHER AND FELL ON HIS FACE, AND PRAYED, SAYING, “O MY FATHER, IF IT IS POSSIBLE, LET THIS CUP PASS FROM ME; NEVERTHELESS, NOT AS I WILL, BUT AS YOU WILL” " (Matthew 26:39 NKJV).
READ: Philippians 2:5-8
If what you feel like doing; what you want, desire, aspire, long, or crave to do is not approved by God, stop struggling to do it.
Allow His Will to be done. Know that, living a Christian life is not about pleasing the self, but about pleasing Christ Jesus Who died for you (2 Corinthians 5:15).
Know that, the pleasing of God, Christ Jesus, is about being passionate about others—seeking the wellbeing of others. This, in part, also talks about souls who are yet to come to the knowledge of Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:3,4), and the welfare of those who have known Him, the people of the household of faith: "SO THEN, WHILE WE [as individual believers] HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY, LET US DO GOOD TO ALL PEOPLE [not only being helpful, but also doing that which promotes their spiritual well-being], AND ESPECIALLY [be a blessing] TO THOSE OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH (born-again believers)" (Galatians 6:10 Amps).
Take a step today and start doing that. Peace!
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