Pleasing God, Not People
01/03/2025
“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 this verse, Paul confronts a critical question: Who are we living to please—God or people? It’s as if he draws a line in the sand, challenging both himself and his readers to consider who truly sits on the throne of their hearts. This verse is particularly striking because it touches on a universal struggle: the tension between seeking human approval and being faithful to God. Paul is clear—if he were focused on pleasing people, he couldn’t rightly call himself a servant of Christ.
This reflection invites us to pause and ask some hard questions. Are we willing to risk rejection, criticism, or isolation for the sake of our faith? Pleasing people often feels safer because it brings immediate rewards—acceptance, praise, and belonging. Yet, Paul warns that this pursuit ultimately leads us away from our higher calling. It’s impossible to serve two masters. When our hearts are consumed with seeking approval from people, we begin to prioritize their opinions over God’s truth, sometimes even compromising our convictions to fit in or avoid conflict.
Paul’s statement challenges us to redefine success. In a culture that celebrates popularity and influence, it’s tempting to measure our worth by how others perceive us. But God’s measure of success is vastly different. He isn’t impressed by social status, likes, or followers. What pleases Him is faithfulness, obedience, and a heart fully devoted to Him.
There’s also a deeper layer to Paul’s reflection: freedom. When we live for human approval, we become enslaved to the ever-changing expectations of others. We bend and twist ourselves to fit into molds that may not align with who God has called us to be. But when we live for God’s approval, we experience true freedom—the freedom to be who He created us to be, unencumbered by the opinions of the world.
Paul’s boldness reminds us that living as a servant of Christ requires a paradigm shift. It means valuing eternal rewards over temporary validation. It means trusting that God’s approval is more than enough, even when it feels like we’re standing alone. And it means embracing the reality that our identity is secure in Christ, whether or not others affirm it.
Finally, this verse encourages us to find peace in God’s sovereignty. People’s opinions change, but God’s truth is unchanging. When we anchor our lives in His will, we can stand confidently, knowing that His purposes will prevail—even if our faithfulness isn’t immediately recognized or celebrated by the world.
Here are some thoughts on how to apply this to your life.
1. Evaluate Your Motives: Take a moment to examine your recent decisions and actions. Are they motivated by a desire to please God or to gain approval from others? Pray for clarity and strength to realign your motives toward God’s purposes.
2. Stand Firm in Truth: Living to please God often means speaking truth and standing firm in your faith, even when it’s unpopular. Are there areas in your life where you’ve compromised your convictions to avoid conflict? Ask God for boldness to stand for Him.
3. Find Security in God’s Approval: Human approval is fleeting, but God’s approval is eternal. Meditate on what it means to be fully loved and accepted by God through Christ. Let this truth anchor your identity and guide your actions.
Today, choose one decision you’ll make based on pleasing God rather than people. Whether it’s sharing your faith, refusing to compromise your values, or simply saying no to something that conflicts with God’s will, take that step in faith. Trust that God’s approval is worth infinitely more than anything the world can offer.
Lord, help me to live for You alone. Guard my heart against the temptation to seek human approval, and give me the courage to follow You, no matter the cost. Remind me that Your approval is all I need, and guide me to live as a faithful servant of Christ in every area of my life. 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 this verse, Paul confronts a critical question: Who are we living to please—God or people? It’s as if he draws a line in the sand, challenging both himself and his readers to consider who truly sits on the throne of their hearts. This verse is particularly striking because it touches on a universal struggle: the tension between seeking human approval and being faithful to God. Paul is clear—if he were focused on pleasing people, he couldn’t rightly call himself a servant of Christ.
This reflection invites us to pause and ask some hard questions. Are we willing to risk rejection, criticism, or isolation for the sake of our faith? Pleasing people often feels safer because it brings immediate rewards—acceptance, praise, and belonging. Yet, Paul warns that this pursuit ultimately leads us away from our higher calling. It’s impossible to serve two masters. When our hearts are consumed with seeking approval from people, we begin to prioritize their opinions over God’s truth, sometimes even compromising our convictions to fit in or avoid conflict.
Paul’s statement challenges us to redefine success. In a culture that celebrates popularity and influence, it’s tempting to measure our worth by how others perceive us. But God’s measure of success is vastly different. He isn’t impressed by social status, likes, or followers. What pleases Him is faithfulness, obedience, and a heart fully devoted to Him.
There’s also a deeper layer to Paul’s reflection: freedom. When we live for human approval, we become enslaved to the ever-changing expectations of others. We bend and twist ourselves to fit into molds that may not align with who God has called us to be. But when we live for God’s approval, we experience true freedom—the freedom to be who He created us to be, unencumbered by the opinions of the world.
Paul’s boldness reminds us that living as a servant of Christ requires a paradigm shift. It means valuing eternal rewards over temporary validation. It means trusting that God’s approval is more than enough, even when it feels like we’re standing alone. And it means embracing the reality that our identity is secure in Christ, whether or not others affirm it.
Finally, this verse encourages us to find peace in God’s sovereignty. People’s opinions change, but God’s truth is unchanging. When we anchor our lives in His will, we can stand confidently, knowing that His purposes will prevail—even if our faithfulness isn’t immediately recognized or celebrated by the world.
Here are some thoughts on how to apply this to your life.
1. Evaluate Your Motives: Take a moment to examine your recent decisions and actions. Are they motivated by a desire to please God or to gain approval from others? Pray for clarity and strength to realign your motives toward God’s purposes.
2. Stand Firm in Truth: Living to please God often means speaking truth and standing firm in your faith, even when it’s unpopular. Are there areas in your life where you’ve compromised your convictions to avoid conflict? Ask God for boldness to stand for Him.
3. Find Security in God’s Approval: Human approval is fleeting, but God’s approval is eternal. Meditate on what it means to be fully loved and accepted by God through Christ. Let this truth anchor your identity and guide your actions.
Today, choose one decision you’ll make based on pleasing God rather than people. Whether it’s sharing your faith, refusing to compromise your values, or simply saying no to something that conflicts with God’s will, take that step in faith. Trust that God’s approval is worth infinitely more than anything the world can offer.
Lord, help me to live for You alone. Guard my heart against the temptation to seek human approval, and give me the courage to follow You, no matter the cost. Remind me that Your approval is all I need, and guide me to live as a faithful servant of Christ in every area of my life. Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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