(S)cripture-
Galatians 1:10 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.
(O)bservation-
Paul gives us a great point to ponder and questions to ask ourselves. Whose approval do we want and who are we trying to please? We are 'in' this world in which we live but we don't have to be 'of' this world, not should we conform to it. Paul was not concerned with pleasing man or with worldly things, but wanted to please God and set his focus on godly things. Paul had been set free in his conversion by the redemption that is in Christ and now considered himself as a servant - or slave - to Christ. He devoted himself fully to his Master and to the works that were laid out before him by the Holy Spirit.
(A)pplication-
As believers, we need to follow this example that Paul gives us. We need to ask ourselves whose approval we want and who we want to please. Christ redeemed us all and set free from the bondage of sin all who believe in Him. Because God created me and because He sent His Son to redeem me, I commit everything to Him. I was once dead in my sin but now I am alive in Christ and will serve Him as I am led and with everything I have. I want to have God's approval and to be pleasing to Him.
(P)rayer-
Heavenly Father, thank You for setting me free through Your Son Jesus Christ. I pray that my life would be pleasing and glorifying to You. I want to serve You and not seek the approval of men or worldly things - I know that my treasure is in Heaven. Please give me the strength and courage and focus to do Your will, regardless of what the world tells me. Lord, I commit everything to You - including myself in service to You. I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.
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