Pleasing God vs Impressing Others at Work Theologically
The theological distinction between pleasing God and impressing others, particularly in the context of one's work, is a recurring theme in Christian thought, emphasizing that true service and approval come from God rather than from human recognition [1, 8]. This concept is rooted in biblical passages that contrast seeking human approval with divine approval.
The Apostle Paul directly addresses this in Galatians 1:10, asking, "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ" [1]. This verse highlights a fundamental tension: the pursuit of human affirmation can be antithetical to serving Christ. John Gill, in his commentary on 2 Timothy 2:15, similarly notes that those who "study to please men, are not the servants of Christ" and that human approval can sometimes be at odds with divine approval [8]. The call is to "study to show thyself approved unto God," not to men [8].
This principle extends to the workplace and daily life. Believers are encouraged to perform their duties "from the heart," as if serving God, rather than merely to gain favor with human masters [10]. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown Commentary on Ephesians 6:6 connects this idea to the example of Gehazi, who acted differently in his master's presence than in his absence, illustrating the danger of being a "men-pleaser" rather than a "Christ-pleaser" [10]. The commentary emphasizes that "doing the will of God" is the "best guarantee for your serving faithfully your earthly master alike when present and when absent" [10]. This perspective suggests that the motivation behind one's work is paramount; it should be driven by a desire to honor God, who is an "unseen but ever present Master" [10].
The concept of humility is closely related to this pursuit of divine approval. Humility is presented as necessary for the service of God, with Christ himself serving as the ultimate example [4]. Saints are characterized by humility, and those who possess it are regarded, heard, and delivered by God [4]. Humility also leads to exaltation and greater grace [4]. Conversely, pride or an excessive desire for human recognition can hinder one's relationship with God.
The Bible also addresses the broader issue of human sinfulness, which can manifest in the desire to impress others rather than please God. All human beings are born with a sinful nature [5], and this inherent sinfulness can lead individuals to seek self-glory or validation from others. Sin is described as rebellion against God [7], and it can involve a "love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters" [6]. The desire to impress others can be a manifestation of this self-centeredness, diverting attention from God as the ultimate audience and judge.
The doctrine of salvation by grace, rather than by works, also informs this theological perspective. While some might object that salvation by grace diminishes the importance of good works, the argument is that good works are not the means of salvation but rather the fruit of a transformed life [2]. The Easton's Bible Dictionary notes that this objection, though "answered a thousand times," still persists [2]. However, the theological understanding is that if salvation were by works, it would imply that humans could earn God's favor through their own efforts, which contradicts the concept of grace [2]. Therefore, good works, including diligent and ethical work, are performed out of gratitude and love for God, not as a means to impress either God or other people for personal gain.
Contentment also plays a role in this discussion. Torrey's Topical Textbook links contentment with godliness, noting that saints should exhibit contentment in their respective callings, with their wages, and with their material possessions [3]. This contentment can help to mitigate the desire to constantly strive for more or to impress others through material success or professional advancement, fostering a focus on spiritual well-being and God's provision [3].
The emphasis on pleasing God rather than men does not negate the importance of ethical conduct or diligence in one's work. Rather, it reorients the motivation. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to "prove his own work," examining their conduct by God's word, which leads to "rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another" [9]. This suggests an internal validation based on one's conscience and God's approval, rather than external validation from others [9].
Sources
- King James Version “[KJV] Galatians 1:10 — For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Works, Good — The old objection against the doctrine of salvation by grace, that it does away with the necessity of good works, and lowers the sense of their importance (Rom. 6), although it has been answered a thousand times, is still alleged by many. They say if men are not saved by works, then works are not necessary. If the most moral of men are saved in the same way as the very chief of sinners, then good works are of no moment. And more than this, if the grace of God is most clearly displayed in the salvation of the vilest of men, then the worse men are the bet”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Contentment — With godliness is great gain -- Ps 37:16; 1Ti 6:6. Saints should exhibit In their respective callings. -- 1Co 7:20. With appointed wages. -- Lu 3:14. With what things they have. -- Heb 13:5. With food and raiment. -- 1Ti 6:8. God's promises should lead to -- Heb 13:5. The wicked want -- Isa 5:8; Ec 5:10. Exemplified Barzillai. -- 2Sa 19:33-37. Shunammite. -- 2Ki 4:13. David. -- Ps 16:6. Agur. -- Pr 30:8,9. Paul. -- Php 4:11,12.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility — Necessary to the service of God -- Mic 6:8. Christ an example of -- Mt 11:29; Joh 13:14,15; Php 2:5-8. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 34:2. The who have Regarded by God. -- Ps 138:6; Isa 66:2. Heard by God. -- Ps 9:12; Isa 10:17. Enjoy the presence of God. -- Isa 57:15. Delivered by God. -- Job 22:29. Lifted up by God. -- Jas 4:10. Exalted by God. -- Lu 14:11; 18:14. Are greatest in Christ's kingdom. -- Mt 18:4; 20:26-28. Receive more grace. -- Pr 3:34; Jas 4:6. Upheld by honour. -- Pr 18:12; 29:23. Is before honour -- Pr 15:33. Leads to riches, honour, ”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 58:3: 58:3 All human beings are born sinners (see 51:5); however, whereas the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly fight against it (Rom 7:19-23; Jas 4:1-10).”
- Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 3:13: beguiled--cajoled by flattering lies. This sin of the first pair was heinous and aggravated--it was not simply eating an apple, but a love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters--a preference of the creature to the Creator.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 19:13: 19:13 An individual who commits deliberate sins does so with an insolent (86:14) or arrogant (119:21, 69) attitude. • The great sin is rebellion (see 32:1).”
- 2 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Timothy 2:15: Study to show thyself approved unto God,.... The Alexandrian copy reads, "to Christ"; see Rom 16:10. Not unto men, as pleasing them; for such who study to please men, are not the servants of Christ; and sometimes those that are approved to and by men, are disapproved of by God and Christ: but unto God, showing all fidelity and uprightness; speaking out the Gospel openly, and freely, with all sincerity, as in the sight of God; commending themselves to him, and to every man's conscience, by manifestation of the truth; and such will hear, "Well done, good and faithful”
- Galatians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Galatians 6:4: But let every man prove his own work,.... Not concern himself about the actions and works of others; let him review his own heart and actions; let him examine, try, and prove his whole conduct in life by the rule of God's word, when he will find enough at home, without bearing hard upon, and censuring others: and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another; which is either ironically said, he will then see what reason he has to rejoice and glory in his own works, and vaunt over others, and to boast of his performances, and despise others; so ”
- Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 6:6: (Col 3:22). Seeking to please their masters only so long as these have their eyes on them: as Gehazi was a very different man in his master's presence from what he was in his absence (2Ki. 5:1-18). men-pleasers--not Christ-pleasers (compare Gal 1:10; Th1 2:4). doing the will of God--the unseen but ever present Master: the best guarantee for your serving faithfully your earthly master alike when present and when absent. from the heart--literally, soul (Psa 111:1; Rom 13:5).”