The Idol of "Graciousness"

Do you know why we are so enamored with being 'gracious'? Because we care more for the world's opinions than their hell-bound souls. We care more for the esteem of men, than their conformity to the blessed Lord Jesus Christ. In this, our 'graciousness' is an idol.

~Doron Gladden

Another person rightly commented to Doron's post:

So true and well said dear brother.

Men, in a veiled fear of men and in a carnal preservation of self, seek the honor and praise of men rather than the honor and praise of God. 

This idol of "graciousness" is indeed quite the melodramatic watchword characteristic of the conscience seared by the abrasion of guilt in feigned ignorance and of the shamedfaced cowardice of the wounding nature truth of God's living word.

9 "Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him. 
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 
11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences."-- 2Corinthians 5:9-11

End quote.