Am I Trying to Please Men or God?

SCRIPTURE
Galatians 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.


OBSERVATION
The apostle Paul is writing to the Galatians that they are not to listen to a gospel other than the one he received from Christ himself and relayed to them. He adds that even if he, himself, were to try to sell them a different gospel, he should be condemned. He offers this argument, explaining to the Galatians that he is not trying to please men, but God himself. He concludes by stating that if he were trying to please men, he would not be a servant of Christ. Paul considers himself a slave of God; a slave of righteousness.


APPLICATION
Who am I trying to please? I should be the unique person God created me to be. We all conform to our surroundings in simple ways - the way we talk, eat, manners and customs, the societal laws we follow. The Bible even instructs us to submit to the authority of the government when it comes to paying taxes, not breaking the law, etc.

Some choices are easier than others. How we dress; what we watch and listen to; how we spend our time and money; how we conduct ourselves in relationships and business. But, there are times when the choices will get harder and harder. There may come a time when what society says and what God says conflict.

We must establish a line that we will not cross when it comes to the morals, values, and directives the Lord gives us. It is then that we must seek God as our authority.

Am I trying to please men or God?


PRAYER
My wish is to please you Lord. I know that I fail miserably, perhaps each day. Keep me mindful of Your words and Your wishes for my thoughts, words, and behaviors. Guide me. Amen.