Pleasing God

 In this life there is no escaping the sometimes harsh criticism of others. Perhaps the hardest criticism to handle comes from those who claim  to be on your side. Even Jesus was criticized for acting in a manner that was considered unrighteous to the religious people of His day. He was ridiculed for spending time with and going to places that sinners were. He was accused of breaking the Sabbath because He healed the sick and needy on every day of the week. He was even accused of being a drunkard because he partook of the fruit of the vine (wine). But Jesus understood that it wasn't a popularity contest. He taught that it was more important to please the one "whom can kill your soul" than it is to worry about the one "whom can only kill your body". In other words it is far more important what God thinks of us than what others do. Look to please Him in everything you do or say, even if it brings criticism from others.