“Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.” Galatians 1:10 NLT
In high school and college, there are usually popular cliques that everyone wants to join. Interestingly, people will go to extremes just to be noticed or ultimately to belong to that clique. Looking back now, you realise that there was more to life than these pursuits.
Our anchor text tells us that it is impossible to seek people’s approval and serve God at the same time. So we can’t live for the approval of others, but we can live for God’s approval. In order to do God’s will, you have to accept that people will reject you and everything you stand for.
In Christ, we have one purpose which is to know Him and to make Him known. Along the way, you will encounter many people who will challenge you or disregard what you stand for. As you consistently follow God’s plan for your life, you will have to deal with people rejecting you. There will be many opposing opinions to your convictions, but you must be able to stand for what you believe.
We have been sent on a mission; a mission to tell the world about Jesus and to bring many others into the fold. (Matthew 28:16-20). Our goal is to do the will of God, and we must understand that there will be opposition. Jesus and his apostles faced opposition, yet they were not discouraged (2 Corinthians 4:8-10). The sooner you accept it, the better prepared you will be to face them.
Jesus prepared us for such times as these in Matthew 5:10 where He stated: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven”. This means that in living out God’s purpose we will face persecution, and yet Jesus calls us blessed for it.
When you see wrong things happening around you, you should make an effort to speak up and move to change them. It will cause a lot of backlash but remember that your life is beyond trying to please people. Aim at speaking the truth in love no matter what. Desire to see the gospel prevail because it is God’s desire, and you might not always be celebrated for it.
Again, Jesus encouraged his disciples (and us) in John 15:18 thus: “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.” He knew that opposition to the mission was inevitable. So we need to have this attitude as we go out into the world.
Dear believer, there is more to your life than the approval of men. The approval of God is worth more than the applause and praise of men. Seek to fulfil God’s purpose on earth above all else.
Bible Reading Plan: 1 Kings 3-4