For good or for bad, I grew up in the 70’s. Rick Nelson’s lyrics from “Garden Party” stick in my mind, “But it’s alright now. Learned my lesson well. I can’t please everyone so I’ve got to please myself.” Only recently did I learn the back story of his being booed at a concert with several other stars.
Out of our pain, we may conclude that all that matters is what we think about ourselves. Paul saw that differently. He had a clear conscience, but he did not place his ultimate trust in his own assessment of his life. Believing in the return of Christ someday, he deferred to the Lord’s evaluation of his life.
What if it is true? What if our darkest secrets and our private motives will be brought to light at the Lord’s return? We all answer to God for our lives. This gives us accountability for words and deeds after we become followers of Christ. We can’t please everyone but we have to please the Lord. The best news is God loves us, forgives us and saves us. May his kindness lead us to repentance today.
