Whose Approval Do You Seek?
10/29/2024
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
- Galatians 1:10 (NIV)
In today’s verse, Paul brings us face-to-face with a question that’s both timeless and deeply personal: Are we living for the applause of others, or the approval of God? Paul’s message is clear, he’s choosing to live as a servant of Christ, even if that means disappointing others or standing alone.
Think of times when the world’s expectations clashed with your faith. Maybe it was a work decision, a family issue, or standing up for what you believe. When we live for human approval, it’s easy to drift away from our convictions, often compromising to keep the peace. But when we live with a heart solely devoted to Christ, we make choices that reflect Him, even when they are unpopular or misunderstood.
Imagine yourself as a young professional in a high-powered corporate environment, where ethics are often ignored for profit. You have the skills to climb the ladder quickly, but you’re unwilling to compromise your integrity for recognition or advancement. Your colleagues may call you “old-fashioned” or “rigid,” but your allegiance is to God, not their opinions. Though it may cost you promotions, you remain steadfast, knowing your choices are pleasing to God. Like Paul, you are more concerned with serving Christ than impressing your peers.
Here are a few thought provoking questions for you.
What choices or sacrifices might you need to make to prioritize God’s approval over human approval?
Have you ever felt pressured to compromise your beliefs to fit in or gain acceptance? How did you respond?
Today, notice any situations where you’re tempted to act for approval or acceptance. Pause and ask yourself: Does this align with who God calls me to be? Then make a choice that reflects God’s truth and love, regardless of how others might view it.
Lord, help me to live a life that honors You above all else. Strengthen me to stand firm when others challenge my beliefs. Let my heart seek Your approval, not the applause of this world. Teach me to be content in serving You, knowing that my identity is found in Christ alone. Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
- Galatians 1:10 (NIV)
In today’s verse, Paul brings us face-to-face with a question that’s both timeless and deeply personal: Are we living for the applause of others, or the approval of God? Paul’s message is clear, he’s choosing to live as a servant of Christ, even if that means disappointing others or standing alone.
Think of times when the world’s expectations clashed with your faith. Maybe it was a work decision, a family issue, or standing up for what you believe. When we live for human approval, it’s easy to drift away from our convictions, often compromising to keep the peace. But when we live with a heart solely devoted to Christ, we make choices that reflect Him, even when they are unpopular or misunderstood.
Imagine yourself as a young professional in a high-powered corporate environment, where ethics are often ignored for profit. You have the skills to climb the ladder quickly, but you’re unwilling to compromise your integrity for recognition or advancement. Your colleagues may call you “old-fashioned” or “rigid,” but your allegiance is to God, not their opinions. Though it may cost you promotions, you remain steadfast, knowing your choices are pleasing to God. Like Paul, you are more concerned with serving Christ than impressing your peers.
Here are a few thought provoking questions for you.
What choices or sacrifices might you need to make to prioritize God’s approval over human approval?
Have you ever felt pressured to compromise your beliefs to fit in or gain acceptance? How did you respond?
Today, notice any situations where you’re tempted to act for approval or acceptance. Pause and ask yourself: Does this align with who God calls me to be? Then make a choice that reflects God’s truth and love, regardless of how others might view it.
Lord, help me to live a life that honors You above all else. Strengthen me to stand firm when others challenge my beliefs. Let my heart seek Your approval, not the applause of this world. Teach me to be content in serving You, knowing that my identity is found in Christ alone. Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
Recent
Archive
2026
January
Embracing God’s New BeginningsRenewed, Not Worn DownThe Gift of Rest, Not a BurdenOne Thing I AskTransformed, Not ConformedArise and ShineFor His Glory in the OrdinaryChoosing Generosity Over ConvenienceAbide and Bear FruitDon’t Forget the BenefitsSetting an Example in Every SeasonLosing to LiveReady When He ComesThe Low Road That Leads to LifeWhere Your Heart Truly LivesThe God Who Sings Over YouRest That Goes Deeper Than SleepUnited in ChristHow Good and PleasantOvercome Evil with Active GoodThe Strong TowerActivated FaithNo Condemnation—Only FreedomThe Goodness Found in WaitingConfessing and RemainingUnder the Same SkyTeach Me to Walk in Your WillAnxious for NothingThere Is No Rock Like Our GodLiving the Word, Not Just Hearing ItStirred to Love
February
A Soul That Magnifies the LordStrong Where It Matters MostWalking Through the Darkest ValleyThe Golden WayA Word That Lifts the WeightRun With PurposeTraining for What LastsJoy That Grows Under PressureWhen Anxiety Multiplies, God SustainsRefined by the FireGrace That OverflowsStrength for Every SeasonUnashamed to Bear His NameDevoted to One AnotherThe Joy of a Righteous ChildWalking in LoveThe Glory That Fills the EarthFinish WellThe Pain That Produces PeaceOur Only AimThe Way, The Truth, The LifeStrength to Seek HimThe Whole Duty of ManTreasure Hidden in the FieldO Lord, You Are My GodDelight Yourself in the LordWalk in His StepsFriend Who Sticks Closer
March
The Long-Suffering Love of GodOvercome Evil with GoodBe Strong and CourageousMorning GuidanceThe Quiet Power of GenerosityWhat We See Is Not All There IsThe Faithful ProtectorStrength and DignityCasting What We CarryCharm Fades, But Reverence RemainsThe Voice of the Good ShepherdPeace That Changes EverythingBefore Everything ElseFor Such a Time as This
2025
January
Embracing the New ThingBe TransformedPleasing God, Not PeopleThe Power of Repentance and BaptismThe Power of Forgiveness and LoveLiving in the LightSharing the Good NewsRecognizing and Worshiping the Son of ManStand Firm, Unmovable, AboundingThe Power of TogethernessResting in God’s RhythmThe Greatness of GodHeld by His HandLoving Beyond LimitsSowing RighteousnessThe Danger of Self-RelianceHeld by His HandProclaiming His Glory to AllHonoring One Another In LoveHidden TreasureTrusting God’s PlansThe Treasure of the KingdomStay Alert and Be PreparedGuarding Against GreedA House DividedYou Are the Light of the WorldEars to Hear
No Comments