"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."
(Galatians 1:10 NIV)
There was a young man who stood at a fork in the road. Behind him were years of trying to fit in, laughing at jokes that didn’t sit right with his spirit, going along with crowds that pulled him away from God, and biting his tongue when he should’ve spoken truth. Approval had become his idol. It felt good... at least for a while. But eventually, the applause faded, and the emptiness echoed louder than the cheers ever did.
Now, in front of him, one path curved toward comfort: the praise of people, fitting in, being liked. The other was steeper, less traveled. That path was the one that led to Christ. It wasn’t popular, and it didn’t come with applause. But it came with purpose.
This man (maybe someone like you) stood there, hearing Paul’s words echo in his heart: “Am I trying to win the approval of people… or of God?” The question cut deep. Not because he didn’t know the answer, but because he did.
He took a step toward the harder road. Not because he was strong, but because he was finally ready to be faithful. Faithful to the One who had never once asked him to perform, only to follow.
Sometimes, we all stand at that same fork.
You can choose the path of approval, where you constantly hustle to be accepted. Or you can choose the path of surrender, where you trade being liked for being loved, truly and deeply, by the One who made you.
Paul’s words aren’t just a challenge. They’re a freedom cry. You don’t have to live for people anymore. You were made for more than that. You were made to be a servant of Christ.
Prayer:
Lord, I’ve spent too long chasing the cheers of people, and it’s left me tired. I want to live for You, even when the path is harder, even when it’s lonelier. Give me courage to take that next step in faith, knowing You walk beside me. Teach me to care more about Your truth than the world’s trends. I want to be Yours fully. Amen.
Reflection:
Can you think of a moment where you chose people over God? What did it cost you, and what would choosing Him instead look like next time?
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