Galatians 1:10 - Living To Please Man Or God?

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men?
for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. Gal
1:10 (KJV)

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I
trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not
be a servant of Christ. Gal 1:10 (NIV)

Do you spend your life trying to please everybody? Paul had to
speak harshly to the Christians in Galatia because they were in
serious danger. He did not apologize for his straightforward words,
knowing that he could not serve Christ faithfully if he allowed the
Galatian Christians to remain on the wrong track. Whose approval are you
seeking--others' or God's? Pray for the courage to seek God's approval above
anyone else's.  [Life Application SB]

A young man once studied violin under a world-renowned violinist
and master teacher. He worked hard for several years at perfecting
his talent, and the day finally came when he was called upon to give
his first major public recital in the large city where both he and
his teacher lived. Following each selection, which he performed with
great skill and passion, the performer seemed uneasy about the great
applause he received. Even though he knew those in the audience were
musically astute and not likely to give such applause to a less than
superior performance, the young man acted almost as if he couldn't hear
the appreciation that was being showered upon him.
At the close of the last number, the applause was thunderous and
numerous "Bravo's" were shouted. The talented young violinist, however,
had his eyes glued on only one spot. Finally, when an elderly man in
the first row of the balcony smiled and nodded to him in approval,
the young man relaxed and beamed with both relief and joy. His
teacher had praised his work! The applause of thousands meant nothing
until he had first won the approval of the master.
Who are you most trying to please today? [God's Little
Devotional Bible]