Often the Scriptures speak of Christians finding the favor of both God and man. Here are some examples:

"Let not then your good be evil spoken of; for the kingdom of God in not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another." (Romans 14:16-19.)

The following passages will show that "the favor of men" refers to those outside the body of Christ. It is not just the favor of fellow Christians.

"And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." (Acts 2:46-47.)

"And the patriarchs moved with envy sold Joseph into Egypt, but God was with him, and delivered him out of all his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house." (Acts 7:9-10.) Joseph did not have the favor of his brothers, but found the favor of God and the Pharaoh.

"My son forget not my law, but let thine heart keep my commandments. For length of days and long life and peace shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee, bind them upon the table of thine heart. So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man." (Proverbs 3:1-4.)

"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man." (Luke 2:52.) This verse describes what Jesus accomplished during those years prior to his baptism and his earthly ministry.

Something that stands out about these passages is the repeated reference to Christians (or the people of God in the OT) finding favor with God and man. There has been a heavy emphasis upon pleasing God, but a corresponding lack of emphasis upon seeking the favor of men. Verses like Acts 5:29---"We ought to obey God rather than men"---have been used to justify Christians having a bad report among non-Christians and other religious people.

Paul wrote concerning elders and their qualifications: "Moreover, he must have a good report of them which are without, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil." (1 Tim. 3:7.) We must be concerned about obtaining the favor of those outside of Christ for many reasons. Chief among them according to Paul is that the church cannot have a good influence upon the lost if we have a bad report from them.

It is true that we ought to seek the favor of God first. If others reject us for so doing, then so be it. But there are many who will favor us for our faith in God if we just want to do what is right and seek the good of our fellowman. I believe that we have failed the very Cause we claim to serve when we are careless and indifferent about what others think about us. Paul wrote, "Walk circumspectly not as fools but as wise." (Eph. 5:15.) We cannot and should not reject the concept of seeking the favor of God and man!

Using each of the letters of the word, favor, we will consider what is involved in having the favor of man.

Our fellowship with one another is based upon a mutual fellowship with God. We do not decide to first co-operate or work together for some purpose, even noble, and then seek the favor of God. We can have biblical unity and fellowship only as we individually submit to God. Two people have much in common if in life they seek after God with all their hearts. God first, then man.

As far as others out of Christ are concerned, we cannot seek their favor until we first seek to please God. Jesus said, "And he that sent me is with me; the Father hath not left me alone, for I do always those things that please him." (John 8:29.) Paul wrote, "If any man preach any other Gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." (Gal. 1:10.)

God in sending his Son expressed goodwill toward men. The angels sang, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men." (Luke 2:14.) God greatly desires man’s reconciliation. He loved the lost world so much that He sent his Son into the world to redeem it. This love is the most amazing in all the world. There has never been another love like this. It is love without any selfish motivation, nor is it based upon any merit on man’s part, or any prior commitment made by man. "We love him because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19.)

If we are to properly express the love of God to others, we should be the first to express the goodwill and desire for friendship and fellowship. We should have no other mind or motivation. Our actions must be free from all forms of manipulation. Our words should be motivated only by sincere concern for their eternal welfare and blessing.

Jesus from the cross draws men; he does not drive them. (John 12:32.) His invitation is winsome and appealing. "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30.) If we follow his example, we will obtain the favor of God and man.

Seeking the favor of God included being concerned about how others view us. It does not exclude it.

"If therefore the whole church be come together into one place and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? But if all prophesy and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all. And thus the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God and report that God is in you of a truth." (1 Cor. 14:23-25.)

Paul wanted the Corinthians to be conscious of their behavior in worship. They were childish in the use of supernatural gifts. Paul said visitors will think that you are mad. Some religious people so misbehave during worship that outsiders think that they are mad.

Religion is not contrary to reason and sound judgment. Christianity appeals to the reason of man. "Come now let us reason to together," said the prophet of God. (Isa. 1:18.)

Christianity involves things beyond the knowledge of man, things that can be known only by revelation. (1 Cor. 2:8-13.) But the process of our learning these and possessing faith is reasonable. (1 John 1:1-3, 4:13.) It is reasonable and logical to believe in God, but quite foolish to reject God and say that the world on its own accord came into being. That is very unscientific.

Some religious people, being misguided, have made a mockery of Christianity. Some have turned from the sound basis of truth to fables (stories). Stories about God speaking directly with them; unusual matters happening causing their conversion; false claims of supernatural power, etc. Unbelievers mock when they hear such claims. Often what people object to is not Christianity, but perversions of it!

Some accused the apostles of being drunken when they spoke in the languages of all present. But nothing foolish or frivolous was being practiced. The Gospel was preached to all in their own language. (Acts 2:15.) Note that Peter dealt with their objection being conscious of what others thought. So must we if we gain the favor of others.

Besides the truth itself perhaps one of the most important areas in considering the favor of man is our attitude. Here are some important areas:

1) Attitude toward one another; toward those weak in faith. "Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations." (Rom. 14:1.) Verses 17 & 18 about being acceptable to God and approved of men is found in this context. John Murray wrote, "The damage which befalls the church through inconsiderate conduct of strong believers has its repercussions in the judgments of those outside. . . ." (Epistle to Romans, Murray, 195.)

Our petty divisions in the Church and in Christendem have caused many to mock the truth. Jesus prayed earnestly, "Neither pray I for these alone but for them also which shall believe on me through their word, that they all may be one, as thou Father art in me and I in thee; that they also may be one in us that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." (John 17:20-21.)

2) Attitude of courage while under persecution. "And in nothing terrified by your adversaries which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake." (Phil. 1:28-29.) Many in the early church gained the favor of non-Christians by their faith and courage while persecuted. Jesus and his followers did not seek revenge or desire evil for those who did them evil. (Matt. 5:11-12, Acts 7:60, 1 Peter 2:20-22.)

3) Attitude of humility and true holiness. "And that ye put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." (Eph. 4:24.) "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." (Phil. 2:3.) The opposite will not gain the favor of God nor man. The Pharisees were self-righteous and proud. We need an humble mind about what we think we know. "And if any man think that he knows any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know."

(1 Cor. 8:2.) Man ought to be humble about his present state and ability. "I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt with every man the measure of faith." (Rom. 12:3.)

4) An attitude of concern and care. It will soon be evident to all what we think about others. Those in need are very sensitive; they know our attitude when we respond to their request. Do we really care? Do we love those who are struggling in life? Remember the story of the Good Samaritan that Jesus told. (Luke 10:29-37.) He was answering the question, Who is my neighbor?

"Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?" (Matt. 23:33.)

"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves." (Matt. 10:16.) But this is about the extent of how one should be like a serpent! Most other statements in Scripture are negative.

Serpents are generally avoided, disliked, caged or killed. Most people are not comfortable around snakes, though there are some who have them as pets. James wrote that serpents have been tamed. (James 3:7.) But the tongue is most difficult to tame. A church is in serious trouble if others look at us like they would a snake!

Joseph found favor with the Pharaoh of Egypt; Daniel with the king of Babylon. Neither would have made progress in the governments of those foreign nations if they were viewed as serpents waiting for an opportunity to strike. Abraham, on two separate occasions, lied to kings about Sarah being his sister. The kings sent him away from their land. He was not looked upon with favor.

Jesus taught that we should not be ready to strike back at others. "Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil, but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And is a any man will sue thee at the law and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away." (Matt. 5:38-42.) Some under the least provocation are disagreeable and dangerous to be around.

Many feel that God is against them. By the way some Christians act toward non-Christians their fears are confirmed. Jesus said, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath." (Mark 2:27.) The Law of Moses taught, "And the Lord commanded us to do these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day." (Deut. 6:24.) We need to let people know that God is for them. The angels sang at Jesus’ birth, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men." (Luke 2:14.)

The Pharisees misunderstood the intent of the law and even added burdens heavy to be borne. They changed the purpose and intent of God’s law making it burdensome.

Many people feel that the world, fate, something maybe even God is against them. In their frustration trying to cope with life, they fall farther away from God and righteousness. They look at the church as another burden that they cannot bear!

There is much that we should oppose like evil, unbelief, and teachers who misrepresent the truth. But we should be known more for what we are for than what we are against. Favor from others come by an understanding of what we are for more than what we are against. Paul wrote, "Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Eph. 6:11-12.) We should oppose Satan, not man. Our battle is with him, not fellow humans ensnared by the Devil.

We should not be opposed to people in need. (Matt. 5:42, Gal. 6:10, 1 John 3:17.) We should not be disgruntled because they ask things from us. We should not be opposed to sinners or exalt ourselves above them. Jesus was a friend to sinners and ate with them. (Luke 15:2.) Being "square-toed and hard-nosed" gains neither the favor of God nor man.

Foy L. Smith preached an excellent message in many meetings entitled, "Take A Little Honey With You." (Take A Little Honey With You, Foy L. Smith, 1972, 5-19.) The message is based upon the words of Jacob to this sons when going down to Egypt to ask for grain. He said, among other things, ". . . and take a little honey with you." (Gen. 43:11.)

Smith preached: "In the second place, we need to take a honey with us into all the religious relationships of life. In trying to win our friends who are not Christians, we need to take kindness and consideration. This does not mean a compromise of the truth---oh, no! . . . But the way we go about handling the truth and teaching it to our friends and neighbors is a thing so important. . . It is no wonder that we have experienced so many failures in our attempts to win others.

"I remember some standard statements when I was a boy preacher. Some of our older men used them and I thought that was the very way to do it. So I went out and held two or three gospel meetings and clinched my points with such remarks as, ‘If you can’t see that, you don’t have the sense God gave a goose!’ or, ‘You don’t have sense enough to pound sand in a rat hole!’ Those were usually good for a few giggles from some of the ‘sound brethren.’ And there were more: ‘If you can’t understand that, you will go to heaven on the idiot’s ticket!’ Or ‘Your ticket to glory is already punched!’ Some of the brethren would go away and say, ‘Man, that’s preaching!’"

Brother Smith concluded by saying, "I thank God that I soon learned better. I have tried to take a little honey when dealing with men’s immortal souls."

I heard a man known for his harshness and ugly statements tell a non-Christian something that would surely turn him away from the Gospel. He was smoking while filling up his car with gasoline. A dangerous thing to say the least! This old man, an elder in the local church, used this as an opportunity to tell him off. He said, If you don’t think that there is a hell, just blow yourself up with that cigarette and gasoline and you’ll find out. That particular "brother" has driven away from the church many Christians and non-Christians. He did not care what he said to you or anyone else. He was always right; everyone else was wrong. Sounds like the Pharisees of Jesus’ day. Do not be a viper!

This simply refers to how well we relate to others. If we are at peace with ourselves and God, then we can build good relations with others. It is based upon attitude and actions. Paul wrote, "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice; and be ye kind tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you." (Eph. 4:32.)

Favor is essential in all relationships. We seek the favor of God. We need the favor of our families, brethren in the church, and friendships with those without.

Conclusion: The above points are found in one chapter (Romans 12).

First God: Romans 12:1-2

Attitudes toward self: 12:3, 16c

Attitudes toward others: 12:10, 14-15

Vipers striking back: 12:17a, 19

Opposed to evil: 12:9b

(Not) opposed to the needy: 12:13

Relationships: 12:4-9, 15, 18-21

We have dealt more with this thought than with the obtaining the favor of man. Yet the passages quoted above mentioned the two together. If we seek the favor of God, we will in the process find favor with many who are not Christians.

One of the most elusive aspects of Christianity is possessing real assurance that you are accepted of God. Many Christians who possess a saving faith in Christ are still unsure of the basis for acceptance with God. I am convinced that the major reasons for a lack of assurance are: 1) an awareness of an ongoing battle with sin, 2) a lack of knowledge of what the Scriptures teach about assurance, 3) preachers failing to teach what the Bible says about imputed righteousness and our acceptance with God, 4) a constant diet of messages condemning others, and 5) Satan’s work in causing doubt in our hearts. John wrote, "For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God." (1 John 3:20-21.)

In another effort to assure those who are living by faith in Jesus, I present these thoughts.

"(God) who would have all men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." (1 Tim. 2:4.) It is possible for all men to be saved. God desires it; salvation is readily available to all.

From the very beginning God is ready to accept lost mankind. The story of the prodigal son expresses it. (Luke 15:20.) The life of Jesus demonstrates it. Jesus was criticized by the religious leaders for eating with sinners. (Luke 15:2.) This is why Jesus told the story of the prodigal son. The cross of Calvary forever settles it. Jesus paid our penalty for sin on the cross. Period. You cannot remove sin by your own power or goodness. The angels sang at Jesus’ birth, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men." (Luke 2:14.) The wrath of God has been appeased. He is not angry with those who follow his Son. He expresses goodwill to all men. He so loved the lost world that He gave us His Son. (John 3:16.)

Every church ought to have a banner across the front of the auditorium where everyone can see it. The banner should read: "Accepted in the Beloved." Paul wrote, "To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." (Eph. 1:6.) I could wish that everyone understands that one is accepted of God in the Beloved. Christians are not accepted because they deserve it, because they are so holy, because they do everything just right, because they believe all the right things on all brotherhood issues, because they know more Bible than others, etc. etc. We are accepted in the Beloved.

The Law of Moses stated: "And whosoever offers a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the Lord to accomplish his vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein." (Lev. 22:21.) Over 30 times the Leviticus code says the sacrifices must be "without blemish." In the NT, we should note that Peter wrote this about our Sacrifice for sin: "But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." (1 Peter 1:19.) Therefore, our sacrifice for sin is accepted of God because He is without blemish and without spot.

We must know the conditions upon which we are accepted of God. Note these passages:

"And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? And why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? And is thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door." (Gen. 4:6-7.) "Doing well" is therefore a condition of acceptance.

"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is accepted to God and approved of men." (Rom. 14:17-18.)

"Then Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons. But in every nation he that feareth him and worketh righteousness is accepted with him." (Acts 10:34-35.)

"For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God." (1 Peter 2:20.)

"Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire." (Heb. 12:28-29.)

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." (Rom. 12:1.)

"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him." (2 Cor. 5:8-9.)

Doing what is right and possessing a right heart are not unreasonable or impossible demands. It is what everyone should seek to do. When we fail, we have an Advocate with the Father. We should also note that in Christ, God does not count our sins or impute them against us. (Rom. 4:7-8.)