I was really blessed to read these words attributed to Jeremy Lin. They’re not necessarily words that are new, but they definitely are – words that are true. Paul penned similar words in Galatians 1:10, “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” 

All of us have to make that choice and stick to our guns. Who will we live to please? Will it be he, will it be she, will it be me? It can be so overwhelmingly difficult to overcome the temptation to please others, especially when you attempt to please all others. But I’ve learned that I shouldn’t try to please ANY other than God. As a matter of fact, if I try to please any other person above God, I will inevitably fail in pleasing the Lord – for no man can have 2 masters (Mark 6:24). 

Proverbs 29:25 reveals that “The fear of man brings a snare…” Be so careful you don’t get trapped – or even tripped up in trying to please man. When that becomes your aim – you will be the most frustrated failure you can be. Blessed are those who understand that God calls us to the freedom of pleasing Him, and Him alone. Chances are, when you please the Lord, there will be others who are blessed along with you – others who claim the same aim.

Like Jeremy Lin, I encourage you to work hard, practice day in and day out; and always, always, in all ways keep in mind that the audience of One is more than sufficient.

P.s. – just in case you’re interested, the song, “Please Only You,” by Steven Curtis Chapman is a great reinforcement. The song is ‘different’ but the lyrics are perfect, download it from iTunes 🙂