“But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this? You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority, knowing that God is watching us.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭2:14-17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The validation of ministry is not popularity or how many people attend services. The real measure is authentic preaching of the gospel and changed lives. The gospel isn't a business that we franchise into in order to get in on the action. We are privileged and honored to serve the Lord Jesus and we need to always bear in mind that God is watching everything we do. If we are pleasing Him then we are truly successful. Trying to please the masses will always lead to the displeasure of God.
Who are we trying to please?

Prayer for today? Father, in Jesus name, help me please you in all my ways. Help me know that ultimate success is pleasing you, not others.