NOT PLEASING THE SELF

“WE then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, AND NOT TO PLEASE OURSELVES.”
Romans 15:1 (NKJV)

Pleasing the self is a major problem in Body of Christ today. Believers are admonished to bear with the scruples; bits or shreds, of those who are weak. In other words, believers should have
ethical considerations for those who are weak—an ethical consideration or principle that inhibits actions from those who claimed to be mature. Jesus should be emulated in this. He is the author and finisher of our faith—He is the standard for every believer (Hebrews 12:2).

The point being made is, believers should emulate Christ Jesus by being tolerant of other believers, especially the weak ones (Romans 12:9,10,16; Philippians 2:3-8).

What would please you, or be a pleasure to you, can be sacrificed or forgone because of other believers whom your actions might affect negatively (1 Corinthians 8:11-13; 10:23,24). Although, what you are doing or wanted to do might not be a sin perse, but if it would not edify and be beneficial to other believers, you should forgo it or do away with it (Romans 14:15; 1 Corinthians 10:23,24). Consider it a sacrifice!

Believers are admonished to live a sacrificial life, not to put themselves first but think of, or consider, others. What would be the effect or implication of what you wanted to do on others—that
should be your thought: "DON'T BE CONCERNED ONLY ABOUT YOUR OWN INTERESTS, BUT ALSO BE CONCERNED ABOUT THE INTERESTS OF OTHERS" (Philippians 2:4 GOD’S WORD Translation).

Directly or indirectly your life influences some people as a believer in Christ Jesus. This is the reason why you had to be circumspect and live in line with God's Word.

Those whom you least expected or never thought of watching and
learning from your life are doing so, thus, you should be disciplined that you might not influence others negatively. The Scripture says the believers are the written epistles or letters being read by the world—the people in your workplace, the neighbourhood where
you live, and wherever you may find yourself (2 Corinthians 3:2,3).

Endeavour to live your life not to please the self but to please God by being concerned about the interests of others in the way you live your Christian life: "AND HE 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).

READ: 1 Peter 4:2

Note: you live to please God when you are concerned about others!

Peace.