Who Are You Trying to Please?
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“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 (KSB)
On a scale of 1 to 10, how happy are you with your life? How satisfied, how fulfilled are you? These are important questions that point us to deeper spiritual truths. In Galatians 1:10, the Apostle Paul poses a challenge: Are you trying to please people, or are you trying to please God? Paul makes it clear, if pleasing people is our priority, we cannot fully serve Christ. That’s a bold but freeing truth. You and I must decide who matters most when it comes to approval. Is it the world, or is it the One who created us?
You Were Made to Please God
God created us with purpose, with intention, and for His pleasure. We didn’t create ourselves; we are the work of His hands. Living in alignment with God’s will is the only path to lasting joy, peace, and fulfillment. Trying to find satisfaction outside of God’s plan is like trying to use a key that doesn’t fit. We might unlock temporary pleasures or the fleeting approval of others, but we miss out on the deep contentment that comes only from God.
The Aim: God's Approval
My goal, and hopefully yours too, is to live in such a way that God can look at me and say, “This is my beloved child, in whom I am well pleased.” I want to finish my race and hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” That’s the life goal to be aligned with God, even when it’s uncomfortable, even when it means going where we don’t want to go or saying what we don’t want to say. Spiritual growth often comes through submission. As Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
Divine Order Brings Peace
Let’s get the order right:
- God first
- Self second
- Others third
When we try to please others first family, friends, co-workers, even church members we often end up miserable, even while everyone else seems happy. But when we put God first, something amazing happens: we are filled with peace and joy. And when we’re full, we overflow into others’ lives, blessing them naturally. “The Bible says, ‘godliness with contentment is great gain.’” (1 Timothy 6:6) That means even if your external situation is chaotic, your soul can remain anchored in peace if you’re pleasing God.
Paul’s Example
Paul said, “I have learned, in whatever state I am in, to be content.” That contentment came from knowing he was pleasing God, not from his circumstances. Pleasing God doesn't always mean pleasing yourself. Sometimes God’s will stretches you, but it also sanctifies you.
The Result of Pleasing God
The Bible promises that when our ways please the Lord, even our enemies will be at peace with us (Proverbs 16:7). That's the power of divine alignment. When you please God first, your life begins to flow in order, bringing blessing, clarity, and purpose.
Final Question
Are you pleased with your life? If not, maybe it’s time to re-evaluate your order. Make pleasing God your top priority and watch as peace and contentment follow.
In that order! (Galatians 1:10)
1. God
2. Self
3. Others
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