Lord, Help Me to Please You
“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)
Reflect on The Word
In a culture that often emphasizes popularity, success, and the approval of others, the desire to please those around us can overshadow our commitment to Christ. Why is that? Why is the opinion of others critical to our identity? Are we living to please people, or are we living to please God?
Paul’s words in Galatians 1:10 present a powerful challenge to reorient our focus. It’s easy to fall into the trap of seeking validation from those around us—whether it’s through our work, our relationships, or our social status. But Paul reminds us that our ultimate goal should be to seek God’s approval, not man's. The opinion of the world is temporary, but God’s approval is eternal and rooted in His unchanging truth.
Later on in Galatians (2:11-14), Paul tells us how he got up in Peter's business over a disagreement, something Peter was doing to cause believers to stumble. We shouldn't take from this that we can stick our nose in each other's business, but to rightly correct when a wrong happens. Our relationships with other believers, and our unbelieving neighbors, should be foremost loving (Matthew 22:39). When our first love is God, our attention will be to what He says and our actions in life, at work, and in our relationships will reflect our desire to please Him.
Counsel: How can I be helped by the Word?
Surround Yourself with Godly Counsel: Are you letting other men guide you? Surround yourself with believing men who will encourage you to live for God’s approval. Seek out fellow brothers to be accountability partners who will pray with you and challenge you to prioritize God’s will in your life.
Seek God’s Approval: Are you seeking God's wisdom? When making decisions, ask yourself whether your choice aligns with God’s will. Regularly evaluate your actions to ensure they are rooted in a desire to honor God, not just to gain the approval of those around you.
Discipleship: How can I grow from the Word?
Engage in Regular Reflection: How's your quiet time? Is Jesus speaking into you or are you relying on your own strength? Regularly set aside time to be in the Word and reflect on your actions and motivations. Ask God to show you areas where you may be seeking to please others more than Him, and commit to realigning those areas with His purpose.
Encouragement: How can the word motivate me?
Living to please God rather than man is a daily challenge, but it is also a source of incredible strength and fulfillment. When you focus on God’s approval, you are freed from the burden of constantly seeking validation from others. This can be a challenge in our current world and you will stumble at times, but you can rest in the assurance that God sees your heart and knows your intentions. His approval is not based on your performance but on His grace and love. Let this truth motivate you to live boldly and confidently for Him, knowing that your ultimate reward comes from your Heavenly Father (Luke 12:4-7).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I need Your help today and always. Teach me to seek Your approval above all else. Help me to live in a way that pleases You, rather than striving to win the approval of others. Transform my heart and mind so that my desires align with Your will. Give me the strength to stand firm in my faith, even when it means going against the grain. May my life be a reflection of Your love and truth, and may I find peace and fulfillment in knowing that I am pleasing You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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