“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
Understanding Our Purpose
We often find ourselves caught between the desire to please others and our calling to please God. Our purpose in life is more profound than mere validation from those around us. We are made to maintain a relationship with our Creator and to find fulfillment in living out His plans for us. God invites us to seek intimacy with Him and to live in a way that honors His wishes above the opinions held by our peers. We should reflect on our actions and decisions, ensuring they align with our true goal of seeking His approval rather than that of man.
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” – Colossians 3:23
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:” – Psalm 37:5
Isaiah 58:11
“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” – Isaiah 58:11
Living for God’s Approval
Living for God’s approval means focusing on what He desires from us rather than seeking acceptance from others. As we walk in faith, we learn that true contentment comes from aligning our lives with God’s Word. Embracing this path is not always easy, but it is vital for spiritual growth. By living for God, we learn to prioritize His view of us over the temporary opinions of those around us. This way of living builds our confidence and fortifies our faith.
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
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2
Matthew 6:1
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 6:1
Proverbs 29:25
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” – Proverbs 29:25
John 12:43
“For they loved human praise more than praise from God.” – John 12:43
The Danger of Seeking Human Approval
By pursuing the approval of men, we can fall into the trap of compromise. When we allow ourselves to seek validation from others, our focus drifts away from God’s truth. This can lead us to make choices based on fear or acceptance rather than faith and obedience to God. Recognizing the dangers associated with living for human approval is essential to avoid compromising our faith and making decisions that stray from God’s teachings.
James 4:4
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” – James 4:4
Proverbs 29:26
“Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the Lord that one gets justice.” – Proverbs 29:26
Matthew 5:11-12
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” – Matthew 5:11-12
John 15:19
“If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” – John 15:19
Luke 6:26
“Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.” – Luke 6:26
Finding Strength in God
Finding our strength in God enables us to stand firm in our belief. When we rely on His promises and guidance, we can cultivate a deeper relationship that nurtures our ability to resist the temptation to seek human validation. In God, we find our true identity, and that identity empowers us to live boldly and courageously for Him. Trusting in God’s strength fortifies us against the pressures of the world.
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
2 Chronicles 16:9
“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” – 2 Chronicles 16:9
Embracing God’s Love
Knowing that we are loved unconditionally by God inspires us to live authentically for Him. We can freely express our faith without the burden of seeking approval from others. When we understand and embrace God’s love, we find peace and joy in simply being ourselves. This love fills us up, driving out insecurities that arise when comparing ourselves to others. We can rest assured in God’s acceptance, knowing we are worthy of His affection.
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
1 John 4:10
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” – 1 John 4:10
Ephesians 2:4-5
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” – Ephesians 2:4-5
1 John 3:1
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” – 1 John 3:1
Staying True to Our Faith
Remaining true to our faith takes courage and determination. We face pressures that challenge our beliefs and values. Our commitment to please God guides our decisions and helps us resist influences that attempt to sway us. Standing firm in faith, we learn that our choices are reflections of our love for God. Our commitment helps maintain a steadfast spirit amidst adversity, and we must support each other in this journey.
Hebrews 10:23
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” – Hebrews 10:23
1 Peter 3:14
“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” – 1 Peter 3:14
Matthew 10:32
“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.” – Matthew 10:32
2 Timothy 4:7
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7
Acts 5:29
“Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings!'” – Acts 5:29
Final Thoughts
In our pursuit of living a life that pleases God, we finally come to understand the blessings that follow. Choosing to honor Him above all else not only strengthens our faith but also brings profound peace into our lives. We become more aware of who we truly are and what we are meant to be. As Christians, supporting one another on this path is vital, allowing us to find courage collectively and remain steadfast in our commitment to God’s truth.
It’s essential always to align our hearts with God’s desires while also embracing His love. Our journey should reflect an unwavering dedication to Him rather than the transient approval of man. We should guide each other lovingly as we strive for this beautiful purpose, trusting that God will pave the way in our lives.
If you want to explore more topics like choosing God or not changing yourself for others, there’s much more to discover in His Word that drives us closer to Him.