 When I was a teenager I attended a Bible conference in Southern, California I was excited to attend that conference because I was believing for God to move in my life I went to the conference full of faith and prepared to receive God's word I took my Bible and no pad and a pen. I arrived early and was even able to get a seat on the front row Now during this time I had only just begun in ministry, but God was blessing the ministry with some small but healthy growth So there were a few people at the conference who were somewhat familiar with my ministry While sitting on the front row my sense of anticipation intensified. I was ready to receive Then just a few minutes before the service began a pastor approached me greeted me and then sneered Well, well, well look at you You think that just because you're in ministry now you can sit on the front row I was shocked and saddened by that comment I began to search my heart. Was I sitting in the front row to be seen? Should I have not sat in the front row? Was there some hidden impure motive in my heart? I thought I was just excited to be there Now I don't remember what was preached on during that night at the conference But I remember how I felt about that comment that that pastor made to me Not wanting to risk or tolerate even a bit of impure ambition I decided the next night of the conference to sit in the back row So I did just that. I still arrived early. I still had my Bible my notepad and my pen But I sat in almost the very last row Surely I would be free from all criticism by sitting back there This time however a different Christian leader approached me He shook my hand Greeted me and then remarked just look at you You get a little bit of popularity and suddenly you think you have to hide here in the back row You can't please everyone so just worry about pleasing the Lord Galatians 110 says obviously I'm not trying to win the approval of people but of God if pleasing people were my goal I would not be Christ's servant no matter what you say Someone will disagree no matter what you do Someone will think that it should have been done differently No matter what truth you speak Someone will point out a truth that you left out There's no escaping the opinions of people for every action and inaction The offense of someone is waiting Now by no means am I saying that you should never consider the fillings or even the corrections of loved ones or the wise I'm simply saying that it's impossible to please Everyone so don't even try Instead focus on pleasing the Lord and everything else will fall in line For when we please God We are truly living I'm David Digger Hernandez, and that is your moment of truth I have a couple questions for you. Have you ever felt trapped trying to please everyone? How do you handle the criticisms of others? Tell me about it in the comments right now Thank you for watching EncounterTV. Don't forget to subscribe and click the notification bell Also, help us spread the gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit Make a one-time donation or become a monthly supporter by clicking on the donate link now