Approved by God: Speaking with Integrity in a World of Flattery

My AI assistant asked me if I wanted to travel back in time. So, I picked the time of Paul preaching in Athens. Once it put me there, I realized that I was improperly dressed since the photo was from this year. So, with some prompts, it changed my appearance, gave me a beard (not my style) and put me in a position of preaching. It even changed my phone to a parchment. While this was fun to toy around with, it reminded me of how often we will do our best to hide from doing or saying what is right. We will mask the truth so as to not be offensive.

Our small group is attempting to be better at scripture memorization and 1 Thessalonians 2:4 is the current chosen verse. In context, these are some of my thoughts that follow this theme.

“For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive,
but 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.”
— 1 Thessalonians 2:3–4

In a world saturated with persuasion—ads, influencers, sales pitches—it’s easy to become numb to the intent behind the message. Think of a used car salesman. His goal isn’t always to inform; it’s often to convince. He’ll tell you what you want to hear, gloss over the flaws, and pressure you into a decision. The truth becomes secondary to the transaction.

Paul’s ministry was the opposite. His appeal didn’t come from error, impurity, or deception. He and his companions spoke with integrity, righteousness, and purity. They didn’t take advantage of anyone. Their goal was singular: to glorify God, regardless of the outcome.

The Heart Behind the Message

The word “exhortation” in this context means more than just urging someone forward—it’s a sincere request, a comfort, a consolation. In the gospel, exhortation is not manipulation. It’s truth spoken with love, even when it’s hard to hear.

Paul’s motive was clear: “to please God.” That’s a radical posture in a culture that rewards popularity and applause. When we shift our focus to pleasing others, we dilute the gospel. We trade eternal purpose for temporary approval.

Tested and Approved

Paul reminds the church that they were “approved by God.” That approval isn’t based on charisma or credentials—it’s based on the heart. God tests our motives. He examines what drives us.

Jeremiah echoes this truth in a time of rampant false prophecy:

“But, O LORD of hosts, who judges righteously,
who tests the heart and the mind,
let me see your vengeance upon them,
for to you have I committed my cause.”
— Jeremiah 11:20

False prophets told the Israelites what they wanted to hear. But God saw through the flattery. He judged righteously. He tested hearts.

Paul understood this deeply. His calling wasn’t from man. It wasn’t self-made or crowd-approved. He writes:

“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God?
Or am I trying to please man?
If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
— Galatians 1:10

His hands were clean. His heart was focused. His message was uncompromised.

The Offense of Compassion

We often avoid conflict, even when it’s necessary for growth. Worse, we let our desire to be liked shape our message. But the gospel is offensive to those who reject Christ. Compassion doesn’t always feel gentle. Sometimes it confronts. Sometimes it wounds before it heals.

We all know someone who resists correction, even when danger is near. The gospel is good news—but only if we’re willing to hear the truth. Our motivation must be rooted in God. If it is, we won’t be accused of deceit or flattery. Our hearts will be tested, and if found faithful, we’ll be entrusted with the greatest message of all.

Let us speak with integrity. Let us live with purpose. Let us be approved by God to carry the gospel—not to please man, but to honor the One who tests our hearts.

In His Name

Scott