Whose approval am I seeking?

 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. - Galatians 1:6-10 (ESV)

In a world filled with opinions, likes, and expectations, it's easy to fall into the trap of trying to please everyone. But Paul's bold declaration reminds us that the approval that matters most is God's--not people's. He was confronting false gospels being taught to appease others. He wasn't interested in softening the message of Christ to make it more comfortable. His loyalty was to God alone.

One of the greatest distinguishing marks of a false prophet is that he will always tell you what you want to hear, he will never rain on your parade; he will get you clapping, he will get you jumping, he will make you dizzy, he will keep you entertained, and he will present a Christianity to you that will make your church look like a six flags over Jesus. - Paul Washer

There are ministers who never speak of repentance or self-denial. Naturally they are popular, but they are false prophets.- J. I. Packer

Do I stay silent when I should speak up?

Do I compromise my convictions to avoid conflict?

Am I shaping my identity based on others' opinions instead of God's truth?

Lord, help me to live for Your approval, not man's. Give me the courage to stand firm in Your truth even when it's unpopular. Remind me that being Your servant is worth far more than the temporary praise of others. Amen.

In what areas of my life am I tempted to seek human approval?

How would my decisions change if I truly lived only for God's approval?

What step can I take today to prioritize my identity as a servant of Christ?

Be Encouraged to live for the approval of God alone. 



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