Galatians 1:10, “For I am 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.”
Paul’s audience, in his speaking preparation and then delivery, was, first of all, to please God. That was his primary objective. He was more concerned about being faithful rather than popular. When Paul spoke, He first spoke to God rather than men. Paul’s purpose was solely to serve Christ and bring the divine gospel message to people he loved that were in danger of hell or were being endangered spiritually by wrong doctrine. Paul did not live for any audience’s approval but solely for God’s approval.
One of the most impactful books I have ever read on leadership is “Lead Like Jesus Revisited. Lessons From The Greatest Leadership Role Model Of All Time,” by Ken Blanchard, Phil Hodges, and Phyllis Hendry. They talk about EGO – Edging God Out – that it is the biggest addiction of all and leads to all other addictions. EGO-Edging God Out, they explain, involves being driven by self-doubt and demons of false pride and fear and continuously looking at what will make ourselves feel better about ourselves. It is primarily centered on one’s success. The solution is simply to return to the unconditional love of God and seek His approval, rather than men. I think we all struggle with the EGO-Edging God Out factor in our journey in promoting our winning arguments and showing off our strengths. But Paul didn’t live simply to please himself or other people; he lived to please God – as he was a faithful servant of Jesus Christ.
The Greek word for approved, tested, and acceptable, is docimos – dok’-ee-mos (phonetic spelling), and has seven occurrences in the New Testament. One of these verses is, 2 Timothy 2:15, which states, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” So that tells me if I zealously pursue God’s approval by aligning my heart with His Word of truth, God gives me complete acceptance, and His unconditional love for me never stops, never falls short. I will then receive God’s applause. I found a note I had written in my ESV Study Bible, next to this verse that says “8/12/11 From my Dad, about himself.” That was nine years ago. That note and verse has special meaning to me. My Dad always taught me that one should not do things for others to expect to receive being thanked. One should do them because it is right and that should be thanks enough. But I would also say, saying “thank you” is just plain good manners and proper, by the receiver. But my Dad had a valid point.
How can God be visible with the people you encounter today by what you say and do?
Wait for God’s applause. Do you hear it? You are a genuine, approved, accepted, tried, by the LORD, daughter or son, of the living God. Well done!
Listen to Natalie Grant – My Weapon (Lyrics), 2/27/2020 YouTube.