Pleasing God, Not People: A Call to True Servanthood

Galatians 1:10 (NIV) says:

“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.”

In Galatians 1:10, the Apostle Paul is addressing a key question about his motives as a follower of Christ and a leader in the early church. Let’s break it down:

1. “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?”
   Paul is challenging the idea that his actions are meant to please people. He emphasizes that his primary goal is to please God, not to seek human approval. This reflects his deep commitment to God’s calling, even if it means facing criticism or opposition.
2. “Or am I trying to please people?”
   Paul asks this rhetorical question to highlight the incompatibility between pleasing people and serving God faithfully. People-pleasing often involves compromising principles, which is contrary to living a life dedicated to Christ.
3. “If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
   Paul acknowledges that serving Christ requires making tough choices, sometimes going against popular opinion or societal expectations. True service to Christ involves prioritizing God’s will over human desires or pressures.

Key Takeaways:

• Focus on God’s Approval: Paul reminds us that our ultimate accountability is to God, not to others.
• Integrity in Faith: Serving Christ means staying true to His teachings, even when it’s inconvenient or unpopular.
• Courage in Leadership: Paul’s statement encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, knowing that their identity and purpose come from God, not from the validation of others.

In essence, this verse encourages us to examine our motives and ensure that our actions are guided by a desire to honor God above all else.