Gal 1:10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Am I seeking the approval of man? The Apostle Paul begins this book with a prayer and then gets right to the heart of the matter. The church was departing from the teaching of the Gospel and he wanted to make it clear to them that there was only one true Gospel. That he was a minister of it and that he was saying what was necessary not to please the people of Galatia, rather, to be obedient to Christ.

Often I find myself trying to step over challenges simply to make peace with people. I want to be completely obedient to Christ, but allow the desire to please people taking first place in my thinking. When I do this I am reminded of these words, especially the last part of verse 10… If my heart is to please man then I am not serving Christ.

Trying to please men can be a challenging proposition. One will desire this while another that. We may find ourselves compromising the things we stand for in order to make others happy. But when our heart is to please the Lord, we have an unwavering resolve for the things of God. Our souls devotion is to bring glory to the name of God even if it means bringing difficulties to ourselves.

Paul uses a word in this verse that helps me see the grace of God. The word is “still.” You see, Paul once was trying to please the leaders of the Jewish world when he was a persecutor of the Christians. His aim was to please men, and when he became a Christian he had to abandon all desires to continue down this path. God is gracious. Even when we turn away and seek after the approval of men, he will still forgive us and give us the opportunity to turn back to him.

Is your heart today looking to please God or men? Do you desire the approval of those you encounter with the Gospel or do you speak loudly with boldness in order to please the Lord?

Prayer: Lord, help me to seek your approval and not the approval of men. I may please others now and then, but I know that if my aim is to please you I will never miss the mark. Thank you for your Word and offering me an opportunity to turn to you when I fail and know that you are always there to lift me back up again. Give me the strength today to serve you will all of my heart, soul, and strength in your power and might. Amen.