“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)
REFLECTION
It’s wonderful to give and receive sincere affirmation and encouragement, with an open heart that is tethered to Truth — but there is great danger in pleasing people for their approval.
This is why our relationship with our Maker needs to be our top priority, because He knows what we don’t and He loves each one of us perfectly and knows exactly what is truly needed, when and why. Our perfect Papa is infallible, whereas people are precious but oh so fallible. If we prioritise seeking to deeply connect with the Lord, then we can more confidently move forward with what He is guiding us to do (which is always best), irrespective of how certain people react. And if the Lord is speaking through a particular person, we’ll be able to sense it as we keep our hearts open to hearing from Him. We need to be attentive, first and foremost, to the Holy Spirit of God, open to however He may communicate (which never contradicts His Word) — be it through the daily essentials of prayer and pondering His promises, as well as through people, impressions, nature, circumstances etc. If we fully yield ourselves to Him, as best we currently can, we can trust that He will lovingly guide, course correct, discipline and train us as we embrace the ongoing process of sanctification and transformation.
PRAYER POEM
My merciful Maker, please teach me to do only that which pleases You, for You alone are perfect in all Your ways. As I am, I fully yield to You — now and for the rest of my days.
