Galatians 1:10 - Boundaries: Pleasing God, Pleasing Others?

Galatians 1:10 - Boundaries: Pleasing God, Pleasing Others?

Gal 1:10 (NIV)  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.  

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] 

At times you will have to make a choice between pleasing God and 
pleasing those around you, for God's ways are not man's ways (Is 55:8-9). 
As important as it is to strive for good relations with others, it 
is even more important to maintain a steadfast and obedient 
relationship with Christ. Disobeying God to keep peace with other people is 
never wise. Peace with God is always paramount. 
Jesus warned that obeying Him might cause division in your 
relationships (Mt 10:35-36). If Paul's primary goal had been to please others, 
he would never have become an apostle of Jesus Christ. Paul went 
completely against the wishes of his colleagues in order to obey Christ. At 
times, obedience to God sets family members at odds with each other (Mt 
10:35-36). When you follow Jesus' Lordship, your family may misunderstand, 
or even oppose you, yet your obedience to God reflects your 
identity as His child. Jesus said that those who obey His will are His 
brothers and sisters (Lu 8:21). God does not intend to divide the home, 
but He places obedience before domestic harmony. 
It is important to get alone in quietness with God so that you 
understand what pleases Him. The world's thinking will mislead you more 
easily when you are not clear about what God desires. It broke Peter's 
heart to know that the opinion of a servant girl had mattered more to 
him than the approval of his Lord! If the desire to appease others 
tempts you to compromise what you know God wants you to do, learn from 
Peter's mistake. Determine that you will please your Lord regardless of 
the opinions of others. [Experiencing God Day by Day by Henry and 
Richard Blackaby] 

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]