Our human flesh wants to please people. We often enjoy the recognition, validation, and love from the world. However, in Galatians 1:10, we get a beautiful reminder that we should be trying to receive the approval of God instead of people. Everything we do should be for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31) and we need to work willingly and diligently at everything we do, as if we are working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23). Seeking approval from the world moves us away from the Lord, but seeking the approval of the Lord gives us true purpose, strength, dignity, and freedom.

At some point in our lives, we may want to please society whether it is in the way we dress, the way we talk, the way we treat others, the activities we participate in, and sometimes this might influence our beliefs as well. As Christians, however, we are trying to please the Lord and seek approval from Him. Our goal is to stand out from the world and be an example of Jesus. The world often desires the opposite of what God desires, which makes it easier to distinguish between whether we are seeking the things of God or not. For instance, if treating others harshly and carelessly is what it takes to please people, then treating others with kindness and love is what it takes to please the Lord. If society wants you to use foul language, God wants you to speak words of wisdom and love instead. Pleasing people is not our goal because we are servants of Christ, and he is the only One whose approval we should seek.

Suggested prayer: Lord, fitting in with the world can be tempting, but help me stand out for you instead. The desires of this world are constantly changing, and I cannot keep up with them, nor do I want to. Your desires stay the same, and the more I seek your heart, the more I will be like you. Thank you for your unconditional love. In your precious name I pray, amen.

1. Galatians 1:10 (NLT)

Today’s Encounter was written by: Gianna B.