Saturday, August 15, 2026

Scripture

“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.” Galatians 1:10

Reflections

From whom do you seek approval?

As children, we often yearn for the approval of a parent.  Even as adults, it makes us feel good when we are affirmed by a father or mother.  But our earthly parents are not always perfect.  Sometimes they get things wrong.  We may end up going in the wrong direction.  It is sad to see a child of a criminal follow in a parent’s footsteps.

Seeking approval from other people, be it family or friends, can leave us enslaved to their example and their expectations.  It may do us no good.  It may render us useless to God.

The Apostle Paul sought approval from others by zealously following the traditions of his family.  He later discovered there was a better way in Christ Jesus.  Jesus’ way never steers us wrong.  He died for us.  Now we seek to live for him.

Serving God can be hard when it goes against the ways of our families and friends.  But the way of our heavenly Father far surpasses the ways of any earthly father or mother.  We are far better off seeking His approval than anyone else’s.  We live for an audience of One.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for the way of Jesus I have come to know through the gospel.  Grant me the strength to stay true to You, regardless of pressures that surround me.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Galatians 1:6-10