Sometimes, although rarely, our disobedience pleases God. It’s not our disobedience to God, but it’s placing our obedience to God ahead of any ungodly choices the world might seemingly require.

After Pentecost, Peter and the other apostles were actively sharing the gospel, performing miracles, and making a huge impact on the city of Jerusalem. A great number of believers were being added to their numbers. Scripture says the Sadducees rose up and were “filled with jealousy” at all they saw (Acts 5:17).

The Jewish leaders arrested the apostles and put them in a public prison. During the night, an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, sending the apostles to the temple to continue sharing the gospel. When the high priest called for the apostles to be brought before him, the guards went to the prison cell and found it locked and empty. They were told they could find the apostles back at the temple, preaching. When the men stood before the high priest, he questioned them, angry that they had disobeyed his command not to preach the gospel message of salvation. 

Peter and the other apostles responded to the priest’s reproach, saying, “We must obey God rather than men.” They then shared the gospel message with the high priest! The apostles knew they were standing before the same group of leaders that had arranged for the death of Jesus, yet they bravely refused to let fear keep them from their calling to share the gospel. They could not obey those men without disobeying God.

It was their choice to disobey these men that actually pleased God. Pleasing God is wisdom. Are you spiritually prepared to stand against the will of men if that’s what is necessary to obey the calling of God? If so, God is pleased with your wisdom.