Galatians 1:10 (ESV): “For am I 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.”
Culture wars. Let’s face it. We are very much in the middle of conflict in the USA. I read recently that over 50 percent of Americans think we are heading toward a civil war. I hope not, but I want to be honest with you, I do think we are extremely divided over fundamental issues.
I recently heard a very good sermon that clearly identified the number one issue in this culture war. This preacher simply quoted Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” When I make the claim that “God created,” I am immediately offensive to many people who refuse to believe that if there is a God that He is in control of this universe. Many simply want God to be a loving grandfather and that He should butt out of our lives.
God being Creator means that He created me and that I need to figure out what that means. Many simply want to determine their own truth and not figure out what God’s truth is.
When Paul wrote the above verse to the Galatians, he was saying that he had made a choice. I believe that we all need to make that choice. Do I want to please man or do I want to please God? I cannot have it both ways. Paul states it very clearly. If I try to please man, I am not a servant of Christ. Therefore, as a follower of Jesus, I always seek God’s approval. If that means that men disapprove, then that has to be okay with me. I still want to love my neighbor, but I must still speak the truth as I do.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I choose You. I seek Your approval. May I never compromise my relationship with You in order to receive approval from others.
