- Passage: Galatians 1:10 (NIV) ” 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. “
Key Verse Note:
Paul asks whether his aim is human approval or God’s, reminding readers that true service belongs to Christ, not to popularity.
Message:
In a world that often pressures us to fit in, perform, and win approval, this verse calls us back to a single allegiance: Christ. Paul challenges the temptation to measure success by others’ opinions rather than by faithfulness to Jesus. When we’re focused on what people think—whether in social media, church circles, or daily conversations—we risk shifting our purpose from serving Christ to pleasing people. The true measure of our life isn’t popularity or acceptance, but faithfulness to the gospel and obedience to God’s calling. This doesn’t mean we become distant or unkind; rather, we cultivate discernment: seeking to honor God in our choices, even when it costs us popular approval. Let today be a reminder to align your desires with Christ’s mission, trusting that His approval is enough to sustain you through every moment.
Practical Application:
- Pause before reacting: ask, “Will this choice honor Christ?”
- Seek wise counsel from trusted believers when you’re tempted to please people.
- Choose one action today that reflects obedience to Jesus, even if it’s unpopular
Prayer:
Lord, help me seek Your approval above all else. Grant me discernment to stand firm and to respond with grace, so that my life honors Christ in every situation. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
1) In what area of your life do you feel more concerned with human opinion than with God’s perspective?
2) How can you respond today in a way that honors Christ, even if it’s not the most popular choice?
3) What is one concrete step you can take this week to live more fully as a servant of Christ, not a servant of people?
Reflection:
Reflect first on what God approves, not what people expect.