These days, it seems like public opinion drives everything. Companies, celebrities, politicians, everyone seems intent on trying to appeal to the most people in the most effective way possible. “People-pleasing” is just part of the culture.

In contrast, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 teaches us that the leaders of the church should not be overly concerned with people’s opinions – they ultimately answer only to God. This fact is frees church leaders from being people-pleasers, and is also a blessing to the members of the church. They can trust that a God-honoring, gospel-proclaiming church will tell them the truth even in the midst of a culture that is enslaved to public opinion.