The Approval Trap

Daily Scripture Threshing for Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Today's Text: Galatians 1:6-10

Key Verse: Galatians 1:10 (ESV): "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."

Today, the desire for approval and acceptance from others is clearly a powerful motivator. Most people would rather please people than please God. That us why many fall into traps that hinders their spiritual growth and effectiveness. During the days of apostle, he faced a similar challenge in his ministry. That is why he addresses the Galatian church, which had been influenced by false teachers who sought to please men rather than God. He reminds them that as servants of Christ, their primary allegiance should be to God, not to men.

Seeking approval from people lead us to seeking to please them. We cannot do that without a detriment to our spiritual health. It leads to compromise of values. A man pleaser will sacrifice his integrity, and neglect his responsibilities to God. But one who seeks to please God instead is liberated. Yes, pleasing God gives integrity, confidence, and courage. Paul set himself as an example. "I am not seeking to please man." He said. In the text, he reveals the dangers of being preoccupied with what others think of us, rather than seeking to please God. The apostle wants us to serve God while being ourselves, without fear of judgment or rejection of men. This is the only way to live a life that is genuine, fulfilling, free, authentic, and growing.

Action Steps: Reflect on the ways in which you seek approval from others. Ask God to help you recognize the dangers of people-pleasing and to empower you to seek His approval above all else.

Quote for the Day: "The approval of God is the only approval that truly matters. One who pleases God live with integrity, confidence, and courage." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our ultimate approval comes from You. Help us to recognize the dangers of people-pleasing and to seek Your approval above all else. Give us the courage to live with integrity, confidence, and courage, knowing that Your approval is the only one that truly matters — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.

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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Proverbs 29:25; 1 Thessalonians 2:4; and 2 Timothy 2:15.

Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide written for free distribution and edification of churches, homes, and individuals. For inquiries, free counseling, or deliverance, please, write or visit: The Darling Bishop, 2321 S Beltline Rd Suite 144 Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA.

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With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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