Title: You Can't Please Everyone/Topic: Self-Justification

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 28; 1 Samuel 29; Psalm 109; Matthew 11

Scripture: Matthew 11:16-19
16 "To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: 17 " 'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge and you did not mourn.' 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdom is proved right by her actions."

Observation/Application: There is no pleasing those who are self-righteous. If you don't "dance to their tune" they will always find something wrong with your behavior. They called Jesus a glutton and a drunkard because he ate and drank with “sinners” and they said John the Baptist was demon-possessed because he didn't drink and eat with others. Those who want to justify themselves and reject the truth of God will always find a way to do so, usually by trying to discredit the behavior of people who are truly seeking the Lord.

Bottom line: Make sure you are pleasing God and don't worry about what others say about you.

Prayer: Father, Let me be discerning of your truth and act in accordance with it. As long as I please you I will be happy. Keep me from the judgmental attitude of the Pharisees who always found a way to reject anyone who didn't dance to their tune.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.