Book of Galatians
Day 5
READ Galatians 1:10-12
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.
I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
COMMENTARY:
In these verses, Paul presents a profound challenge to the Galatian believers and to us today. He confronts the temptation to seek the approval of people over God, reminding us that true servanthood to Christ requires a single-minded devotion to pleasing Him above all else.
Paul’s question pierces the heart: Are we seeking the approval of human beings, or of God? In a world where social acceptance and popularity often dictate our actions, it’s easy to fall into the trap of people-pleasing. Yet, Paul reminds us that if our aim is to please people, we cannot truly serve Christ.
Moreover, Paul emphasizes the divine origin of the gospel he preaches. He did not receive it from human sources but directly from Jesus Christ Himself. This revelation transformed Paul’s life and ministry, shaping his understanding of God’s grace and his mission to proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles.
As we reflect on these verses, let us examine our own motives and priorities. Are we living to please people, or are we wholeheartedly devoted to pleasing God? May we fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, and may His approval be the driving force behind everything we do.
Questions to ponder:
- What are some practical ways in which the desire for human approval can influence our decisions and actions?
- Are there any specific areas where you feel convicted to realign your priorities and actions with God’s approval rather than human approval? If so, what steps can you take to make those changes?
