A young pianist, a child prodigy who was playing on stage for the first time. A large crowd cheered and applauded for this young musical genius who came back again and again to the stage as the audience shouted “Bravo! Bravo! clapping, and whistling.” But he left the stage with a very downcast look, almost crying.

His startled manager asked, “Why are you so sad? This is the greatest night of your life!” As the audience continued to cheer, the young pianist pulled the curtain back to point to the one man in the audience who was not cheering. He said, “Do you see that man who is not cheering?” The manager said, “Yes, but he is the only one. Why is that so important?”

The pianist replied,  “You don’t understand, that man seated on the front row is a master pianist and is my teacher. He taught me to play the piano and if he is not pleased, then I am not pleased.”

That must be our attitude. We must please God, not the crowd. Even if the world is cheering you. Please God. Even if others are criticizing you. Please God. His love endures forever.