Galatians 1:10 (NIV)
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.
Are you one of those people who wants to be popular and fit in with everyone? Do you worry a lot about what others think of you? Do you try to please everybody by agreeing with them? When you do these things, what are you trying to accomplish?
Paul is writing to the Galatian Church about their straying from the Gospel and following other teachings. It could be about some teaching that followers had to become Jews first and then follow Christ. Either way, the teaching was contrary to what Christ taught Paul and he shared with them. Since Paul received direct revelation from Christ, his message was accurate and Christ’s message was to be followed.
Years ago, I worked for a man who wanted to please everyone and be everyone’s friend. He would agree with whomever he was speaking. That way, the conversation was always pleasant. He avoided confrontation at all costs. He would never disagree with someone or make a decision that was unpopular. That would cause conflict in his opinion. While he thought he was pleasing everyone it turned out he was pleasing no one; not even himself! He would never make a decision because someone would be unhappy. We were all unhappy in the end because nothing ever got done. Do you find yourself in that situation some times? Are you looking to please everyone? It does not work. Why not try to please the One who matters and let Him work all things for your good. Luke 10:41-42 (NKJV) says “41 And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.’” The one thing that is needed is to listen to Jesus and follow His teaching. Look to please the One that matters. When you please Him, everything else will fall into place.
Lord, we thank You that You have come to be our guide and will lead us through life. Help us to follow You daily and walk in Your ways. Remove from us the pride that makes us want to be liked by everyone and turn our hearts back to you. Let us be Your true and faithful servants, listening and following Your teachings. Write Your story on our hearts. In Your name we pray! Amen!