“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)
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you speak or act in ways inconsistent with the Word of God, just to please people or gain their approval? At such times, the Holy Spirit will always prick your heart to change your words or actions. On the road to Christian maturity, one thing you must give up is man-pleasing. There are no two ways about it!
Some Christians even love to identify themselves with the “big names” of this world, and for that, they are willing to compromise their faith. They say: “Why do we need to tell everyone about our faith in Jesus? It’s okay to be normal sometimes.” The truth is, the only “normal” for a Christian is the life and way of a believer — a life where your identity is Christ. You cannot belong to the world and also walk with God. Your association with the greatest Name on earth — the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ — should matter to you the most. The Bible says: “Be not envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them” (Proverbs 24:1 RSV).
The only person you should desire to please is the Lord Jesus. That’s important because those who truly love Him will be pleased with the things you do. But if those who don’t love Jesus are pleased with your actions, then there’s a problem, and you should be concerned. Choose to be a mature son of God, not a babe. Look at the beautiful declaration of Apostle Paul in our main verse — that should be your mindset and declaration as well.
So, check yourself next time you associate with the world and its people: Are you trying to please them, or are you pleasing God? Make the necessary changes in your life to align yourself with God’s perfect will.
Prayer:
Precious Heavenly Father, I thank You for giving me wisdom through Your Word. I refuse to be a man-pleaser. I choose to please You, Lord, and not this world. My delight is in honoring the Lord Jesus, and I seek to please Him always. I yield myself completely to the leading of the Holy Spirit and live a life worthy of my calling. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!