Galatians 1:10

In the book of Galatians, the apostle Paul is talking to the believers in the churches of Galatia.

The teachers there were teaching things contrary to the gospel. Paul wrote them to try to correct some of the errors they were learning and practicing.

He also wanted them to know he wasn’t concerned about being popular; he was concerned about the truth.

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. ~Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

 

Following Paul’s example in this verse, I see that now that I am a Christian, my focus is to be only on pleasing God, not man. This includes not pleasing me.

It’s not about pleasing self or others, it’s only about pleasing God. Every time. Every situation. Every circumstance. No matter what.

This means setting aside my own life’s agenda and focusing on His will for my life. This is sometimes painful, but always necessary.

If I am still trying to please myself or other people around me instead of putting Christ first, then I am not really His servant; I am the servant of myself and/or those around me. It is who I place my honor and allegiance in that determines whose servant I am.

We cannot serve two masters. If we try to we will love one and hate/despise the other. This is not how it is supposed to be.

We are to choose Christ and Christ alone. We are to deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow Him.

It’s a daily choice. Who will I serve today? My Savior or myself?

 

For further reading:
You cannot serve two masters Matthew 6:24
Pick up your cross Matthew 16:24
Don’t stray from the truth Galatians 1:6-10