Galatians_1

Scripture

 

Galatians 1:10

 

“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.”

‭‭

Observation-What does it say?

 

Paul is writing to the churches of Galatia. He is reprimanding them for falling so easily away from God. They were being fooled by people who were preaching a “counterfeit” message of the gospel. These people were twisting the words of Christ for their own selfish benefit. Paul understands his letter won’t be winning him any popularity contests with the people of Galatia, but he knows it is something that has to be addressed. It’s God’s way over his way.

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

Playing for an audience of One.

 

Paul knew he wasn’t going to be liked by these people who he was calling out on the carpet. I mean, who in this world likes to be thrown under the bus like that anyway?! But Paul understood the importance of his mission. His mission was to build God’s Kingdom. He knew that God put this responsibility on him. A responsibility to shepherd these people and grow these people to become more mature Christ Followers. He didn’t care whose feelings he hurt along the way, as long as the message of Christ was being upheld with integrity and honor, and Christ’s people were being brought up in that same manner. The truth had to be told! And let’s face it, sometimes the truth hurts!

 

Being a Christ Follower isn’t about being popular with others. As a matter of fact, Jesus tells us that the world will hate us because we follow Him.

 

“And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved.”-Matthew‬ ‭10:22‬ ‭NLT

 

Being a Christ Follower is about living a life that is pleasing to God and no one else! Making the right choice in life can be a difficult decision to make. It may cause us friction amongst our family and friends. But at the end of the day, God is going to hold us each accountable for our life’s choices. It is Him alone that I need to be concerned with pleasing.

 

“In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.”-Proverbs 3:6 TLB

 

Life Application

 

Called to a higher standard of living.

 

With being a Christ Follower, a leader at home, work, and church, I am called to live my lifestyle a certain way. God demands my excellency in each aspect of them. People are watching. They’re seeing how I react and behave in certain situations. I am called to a higher standard because of who I am in Christ and what he has entrusted me with. I must set a Godly example the way Jesus did for his disciples. How did Jesus do it? By staying connected with God, His people, and showing love to others along the way. No matter how much people hated Jesus for doing it, Jesus followed God’s will 'til the very end, which is something I should be striving for each day.

 

God, give me the strength to follow You no matter how difficult a choice it may be. May You give me the courage and the boldness to stand firm and strong in my faith. May the love I have for You come first and foremost in every decision I make, and may I have no hesitations because of the repercussions it may result in. I love You Lord. May my actions prove it. In Jesus name, Amen.  

 

To check out the discussion or to join in, click here.  

 

-Moses Gaddi