Our scripture this morning is Galatians 1:10-12.
Am I now seeking human approval, or God’s approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still pleasing people, I would not be a servant of Christ. For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
Paul reminds us that it is God we strive to please, not other people. There is a difference in sharing God’s love and caring for others, rather than just giving them what they think they want. Our own human desires can lead us away from the relationship with God that is intended for us.
Pleasing God can often turn the world against us. Jesus warned that we would face opposition when we follow him. It isn’t easy being a disciple but that is the call He has placed on our lives. Rather than giving people what they want, we must share the love of God that is so desperately needed in our world.
Adam and Eve made a wrong choice in the very beginning (Genesis 3). The crowd at the trial of Jesus made a wrong choice in rejecting Him, crying “Give us Barabbas!” (John 18:40). We must guard against choosing human things over eternal things, and risking the salvation Jesus came to give us.
Heavenly Father, we come humbly to You, sorry for our sin and wanting the forgiveness You offer us. May we go in Your name to share the joy of Christ with everyone. Amen.