As Pilate hands Jesus over for crucifixion, we see how deeply ingrained the custom of people to try and satisfy everyone around them. It's an impossible task. The best proof I can share from history is the case of Louis the Sixteenth of France. Unlike his predecessors, Louis ate moderately, learned a trade, ended torture, halted discrimination, gave Protestants the freedom to worship, and demonstrated a fair amount of compassion for the poor. His reward for trying to please the people was a revolution that left him beheaded.
Leaders, whether they hold positions of authority in the home, governments or church, should recognize they have a higher responsibility than pleasing the crowd. They should learn from our uncustomary Savior who spent His life fulfilling the prophets, living perfectly under the law, and going about His Father's business. Naturally, no leader can ever accomplish what Jesus did -the salvation of sinners -but they can find contentment in a job well done. This contentment, I imagine, is something Pilate never had again.
Prayerful Practice: Dear Lord Jesus, You did not try to please the crowd. Give us strength to please our heavenly Father. Amen.
A Contemporary Custom: Say thanks for a job well done. Leave a thank-you note for the person who delivers your mail, the garbage collector, or even a church office employee. |
