How can we discern if we are seeking approval from people or God? Setting the Question “Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10) Paul frames the issue in absolute terms: people-pleasing and Christ-serving pull in opposite directions. Discerning which path we are on is essential because divided allegiance disqualifies faithful service. Why the Issue Matters • Approval from people is fleeting; approval from God is eternal (John 12:42-43; 1 John 2:17). • Fear of man ensnares; fear of the Lord brings safety (Proverbs 29:25). • Our witness gains credibility when motivation is God-centered (1 Thessalonians 2:4-6). Recognizing the Symptoms of People-Pleasing • Speech shifts with the audience, avoiding hard truths that Scripture clearly teaches (2 Timothy 4:3-4). • Obedience fades when no one is watching (Ephesians 6:6). • Emotional high or low hinges on compliments or criticisms (John 5:44). • Compromise becomes attractive if it preserves reputation or influence (Matthew 26:69-74). Anchoring Our Identity in Christ • We are “bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:20); ownership belongs to Him, not the crowd. • In Christ we are already “accepted in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:6); we serve from acceptance, not for acceptance. • His commendation—“Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21)—defines success. Practices that Re-orient the Heart toward God • Daily Scripture intake: lets God’s voice outweigh every other (Psalm 119:105). • Secret obedience: give, pray, fast without announcement (Matthew 6:1-18). • Immediate confession when motives drift (1 John 1:9). • Praise aimed vertically: sing, testify, and work “as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23-24). • Fellowship with truth-loving believers who sharpen and correct (Hebrews 10:24-25). Scripture Checkpoints for Daily Discernment Use these verses as mirrors; if conduct conflicts with them, people-pleasing has crept in. • Acts 5:29 — “We must obey God rather than men.” • Romans 12:2 — Refuse conformity; seek transformation. • 1 Peter 2:12 — Live honorably so accusations fall flat. • 2 Corinthians 5:9 — “We make it our goal to please Him.” • Revelation 3:1 — Reputation can say “alive” while God says “dead.” Living Out Galatians 1:10 When love for Christ rules the heart, His approval becomes enough, His truth remains non-negotiable, and His glory turns ordinary moments into worship. The more we gaze at Him, the less sway human applause holds, and the easier it becomes to echo Paul: “I am a servant of Christ.” |
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