I remember watching “Leave it to Beaver” as a kid and the one character that stood out, other than the Beaver was Eddie Haskell. He was quite the charmer and deceiver. When he was with Wally he was a mischievous instigator. But, when he was around the adults, especially Mrs. Cleaver, he was the perfect complimentary gentleman. Now, everyone was up to his “game” but Eddie continued to pour on the charm to get his way.
“3For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 5For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. 6Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:3-6 (ESV)
Paul wrote to those at Thessalonica and early in his letter addressed the lack of deception from he, Silvanus, and Timothy. He pointed out that they could have demanded the “royal” treatment and could have taken advantage of the situation to pad their own pockets, yet they did not. They were there simply to spread the gospel and bring opportunity of salvation to all.
Now I know that “Leave it to Beaver” was just a make believe show and Eddie Haskell was just a character, but how many “Eddie’s” do I know in the world. How many bring one thing to me and then turn right around and bring something else to others, all in the name of getting something out of it for themselves.
I have to be careful in talking about this, for I do believe that we should adapt to those we interact in order to have an effective and efficient interaction. Mirror the other person in order to help them feel comfortable and open up. But, that is not the license to deceive them into doing something that only benefits me. I have to come from a place of authenticity so as to build them up so that they are able to grow. And all of this in the interest of pleasing God, not myself.
It is my duty to help others, but not with a mindset of pleasing myself. I am called to serve others, but not build myself up. When I have in my mind to please God and my actions are geared to that end, I find myself bringing goodness and service to all without looking out for what I my get in return. Eddie Haskell I am not and I have to prove my authentic caring, serving, and loving self each day with the object being to please God.
How many Eddie Haskell personalities do you know? When you look at yourself, what actions do you take that might confuse others? Are you in it for your pleasure and to get something or are you there to please God?
Trevor's Thoughts 