“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
As Servants of Christ
As we explore ways of not pleasing others, we must recognize our identity as servants of Christ. This means that our primary focus should not be on gaining human approval or validation. Our worth and purpose stem from God alone. When we prioritize our relationship with Christ, we are empowered to break away from the expectations of others. It can be challenging when society pressures us to conform, but we find strength in standing firm in our faith. Each moment we choose to honor God over people, we affirm our commitment to live as true servants of Christ. Let us collectively remind ourselves that our service is meant for God, not for the whims and wishes of others.
Galatians 1:10
“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
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” – Colossians 3:23
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20
1 Thessalonians 2:4
“But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:4
Romans 12:2
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2
Finding Our Identity in Christ
When we discuss not pleasing others, we must consider our identity in Christ. Society often ties our self-worth to achievements or the approval of others. We might feel pressured to meet certain standards set by peers or social media. Yet, the truth lies in knowing that as children of God, we are already approved and cherished. Embracing our identity in Christ allows us to resist the urge to seek validation from the world. Through prayer and studying the Word, we deepen our understanding of who we truly are in God’s eyes. We can reflect on how valuable we are and find comfort in just being ourselves without needing to conform to others’ expectations.
1 John 3:1
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” – 1 John 3:1
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” – Psalm 139:14
Romans 8:1
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 8:1
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
Offering Our Lives as Worship
Not pleasing others reminds us of the significance of offering our lives as a form of worship to God. We are encouraged to align our actions and thoughts with God’s will rather than seeking to satisfy others. It becomes a powerful act of devotion when we surrender our decisions and lives to God. By committing our lives to Him, we find fulfillment beyond worldly approval. Each step we take in faith and each choice we make reflects our love and devotion to God. It is about fostering a relationship that transcends earthly validation and expresses true worship.
Romans 12:1
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” – Romans 12:1
Hebrews 13:15
“Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.” – Hebrews 13:15
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17
The Courage to Stand Alone
There are times when we need to make decisions that may not please others. It takes courage to hold our ground when faced with criticism or pressure. We should not be discouraged. Each moment spent in focus on God allows us to strengthen our resolve. Our authentic faith often acts as a guide in providing us the courage to stand alone if necessary. Seeking God’s direction helps us navigate challenging situations confidently. We find the assurance to persevere despite possible dissent or misunderstanding from others.
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Proverbs 29:25
“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” – Proverbs 29:25
Philippians 1:28
“And not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.” – Philippians 1:28
The Blessings of Pleasing God
As we grow in our faith, we begin to see the blessings that come from pleasing God rather than others. When we focus our attention on honoring Him with our lives, we start experiencing His joy and direction. We are filled with peace that surpasses human understanding. God’s provisions and guidance illuminate our paths, leading us to places of growth and fulfillment. By making a conscious effort to please God, we open ourselves to His countless blessings. Surprisingly, we often find that those decisions, though challenging, lead to the best outcomes.
Proverbs 16:7
“When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” – Proverbs 16:7
Psalm 37:4
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4
John 15:7
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” – John 15:7
James 1:12
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” – James 1:12
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33
The Importance of Prayer and Fellowship
In our journey of not pleasing others, we need the support of prayer and fellowship with our Christian community. Sharing our struggles and victories with each other helps us to feel encouraged and uplifted. We are reminded that we are not alone in our pursuits. Regular prayer strengthens our connection with God, guiding our actions and thoughts away from seeking other people’s approval. By participating in prayer and fellowship, we allow ourselves the chance to be vulnerable, seek counsel, and grow together in faith. These connections continuously inspire us to seek God first in everything we do.
Philippians 1:3
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you.” – Philippians 1:3
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” – Matthew 18:20
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
James 5:16
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” – James 5:16
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up this exploration of not pleasing others, it’s essential to remember who we are serving. Our primary focus must be on God, not on the approval of the crowd around us. We have learned through Scripture how our identity in Christ grants us strength and purpose—an identity that is not defined by others’ expectations. Let us be encouraged to offer our lives as a living sacrifice and worship to Him.
Courage plays a big role in our journey, reminding us that standing alone in faith brings about blessings only God can provide. With prayer and fellowship, we find the support we need to stay grounded in our intentions. We can pursue God’s plans joyfully, knowing that we are never alone in this walk.
We invite you to explore more topics that will enrich your faith, such as gaining the world and losing your soul and fulfilling God’s purpose. Let’s continue this journey together, encouraging one another along the way.