Freedom from People-Pleasing

“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.” — Galatians 1:10

I knew it wasn’t an accident when this scripture showed up as the scripture of the day in my Bible app. It resonated deeply with me. God was taking over my iPhone to issue some gentle corrections. Like so many of us, I often feel unsustainably busy.  I go from one task to the next, feeling like each is more urgent than the previous one. I often wonder if I am operating in God’s purpose or other people’s expectations of me. How do I know the difference?

The book of Galatians begins with Paul admonishing the Galatian Christians because they are drifting from the true gospel. They had started to embrace beliefs and practices taught to them by false teachers. These false teachers distorted the message of Christ and encouraged them to turn away from what Paul initially taught them. Paul’s words in Galatians 1:10 are clear—following Christ means placing God’s truth above people’s opinions, even when it’s difficult or unpopular.

In this verse, Paul asks a question that challenges us: are we living to please others or God? The issue of people-pleasing is not a new one. Paul knew what it felt like to seek acceptance from others, but he boldly declared that his allegiance was to God, not people. As Paul points out, trying to please others in matters of faith dilutes the gospel and disrupts our focus on God’s purpose for our lives.

How often do we seek approval from sources other than God? Turning to social media, pop culture, or friends for validation is so tempting. Our intentions are often good; we want to make a positive impact, be helpful, or stay connected. However, the desire to be liked, accepted, and validated can steal our focus from God’s truth if we aren’t careful. Like the Galatians, we may unintentionally adopt “different gospels” that promise fulfillment but ultimately lead us away from God’s purpose for us.

This quest for approval from people often causes confusion, exhaustion, and an endless cycle of striving. We can become anxious over our image, constantly comparing ourselves and feeling pressured to meet others’ expectations. The gospel, however, offers us freedom from this cycle. Jesus’ love is unconditional and never changes. It is grounded in grace, not performance. When we focus on God’s acceptance instead of the acceptance of others, we can begin to see ourselves as God sees us and find a more profound peace and sense of worth.

In his letter, Paul reminds us that only one gospel is true—the gospel of Jesus Christ If we base our worth on anything else, we risk becoming tethered to the opinions of others. True freedom comes from recognizing that God’s opinion is the only one that matters. People-pleasing makes us servants of others’ expectations, but serving Christ frees us to live authentically according to God’s calling.

Let’s reflect on areas in our lives where we might strive for people’s approval instead of God’s. Have we allowed the opinions of others to influence our choices? How often do we turn to external sources instead of seeking truth in God’s Word?
 
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that true fulfillment comes from seeking Your approval alone. Help us to let go of the desire to please others and to stand firm in Your truth. Guide us to walk confidently in the purpose You have for us, grounded in Your love and grace. When we feel tempted to seek validation outside of You, draw us back to the gospel that frees us. May our hearts always seek to serve and honor You above all else. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by Jennifer Nelson