Pleasing to the Father – Pointing Others to Him

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.

─ Galatians 1:10 ESV

“Who cares what other people think?” Amanda scoffed to her friend, Maggie. “I’m tried of trying to please people.”

Maggie smiled. “You say that, but you don’t mean it. You analyze and overthink nearly everything you do and say. I’ve watched you make yourself crazy with worry that you’ve said or done something to offend others.”

“You’re right, and it makes me second guess myself. What can I do?” Amanda asked.

The Apostle Paul said if he tried to please men he could no longer truly serve (Galatians 1:10). However, your reputation as a believer is important. The desire to have a good name should be more important than lots of money (Proverbs 22:1).

How many times have you seen an “ugly” Christian? They acted haughty, demeaning or disrespectfully. You may have even thought, That Christian acts no differently than a nonbeliever.

Many struggle to find balance between the two. The key is to live your life in a way that draws others to God. You want to please Him above all else. You honor your Heavenly Father by following after righteousness.

Today’s One Thing

If you took an honest look at your actions, would you say that sometimes you act in a way that is not pleasing to Christ? Look back on a time such as that and think about how you could have responded differently. Ask the Lord to give you an opportunity this week to demonstrate His love and point others to Christ.

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