¹⁰"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 1:10 ESV

Deep down, whether we admit it or not, we all long to feel important and loved. Unfortunately, many people go to great lengths—sometimes compromising their values—just to gain approval. Why? Because we crave affirmation from people, places, and even things. Quite often, we find ourselves with our priorities mixed up by focusing more on the things and people around us rather than the only one whose approval truly matters. But isn’t it ironic that we seek validation from the same world that rejected and crucified the only truly perfect man? If Jesus, who was blameless in every way, was still condemned, what makes us think we’ll ever find true worth in human approval?

Thankfully, we are not alone in our struggle. This is something that believers have been wrestling with for centuries; and the book of Galatians highlights this. Paul writes to believers in Galatia (modern-day Turkey) who were pressured by Christian Jews to follow the Mosaic Law to be "fully" saved. In other words, they were more focused on pleasing people than obeying God. This same temptation exists today. Our faith, growth, and service should not be driven by a need to impress a parent, a spouse, an audience on social media, or a friend—but by a desire to please God. And when our actions align with His will, the people around us will naturally be blessed.

This verse continues by saying, "If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10 ESV). Here, Paul makes a clear distinction between living to please people and living to please God.

Why is this important? Because when we constantly seek to please others, we are at the mercy of ever-changing expectations. People's desires, opinions, and standards shift from day to day, but God's Will remains constant. If we build our lives around human approval, we will always be chasing something that never lasts. But when we commit ourselves to Christ, we anchor our identity in something unshakable—His unchanging truth and purpose.

This doesn’t mean we should disregard others or live without accountability, but it does mean that our ultimate allegiance belongs to God, not the shifting tides of public opinion. When we prioritize pleasing Him, we find true freedom—freedom from the exhausting cycle of meeting human expectations, freedom to walk boldly in our calling, and freedom to rest in the security of His love. At the end of the day, people’s approval may come and go, but a life centered on Christ is one that stands firm.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our worth is found in You alone. Help us to release the need for human approval and instead seek to live in a way that honors and pleases You. Give us the strength to stand firm in our faith, even when the world pressures us to conform. May our hearts be anchored in Your truth, and may our actions reflect Your love.

In Jesus' name, Amen.