The other day, I stumbled upon this verse by Paul: “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” (Gal. 1:10 NLT).

You know what word popped out at me the most? The word, obviously.

It stuck out because, while people-pleasing is a common struggle, when most people finally conquer it, they conquer it just barely. Most don’t come to a point when they don’t stand out from the crowd boldly and obviously, they stand out just barely.

But with Paul, he was so centered on pleasing God instead of man, that it was obvious. There was never a doubt where his allegiance was focused.

Who are you trying to please?

Chances are, if someone even has to ask you the question in the first place, you are probably trying to please people instead of God. And chances are, even if you are focused on pleasing God instead of man, there is probably one area left where you’re still struggling. Where is it? What is it? Who’s opinion is worth more to you than God’s?

Obviously, it’s time to change your focus.

For more encouragement, listen to Laurie’s message,
Confessions of a Reformed People Pleaser.