Galatians 1:10 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.

This is a strong and clear word that is all too necessary in the Church today. We are all too prone to seek the approval of people rather than of God, but when we do that, we cannot be said to be operating as servants of Christ. Democratic church government sprang up because of abuses of position and authority by church leaders, but the problem with that is that it promotes the fear of man, because pastors can be voted out. Actually, this just points out human frailty. The system of church government isn’t nearly as important as the matter of shepherds and sheep being submitted to the Lordship of Christ and obedient to His Spirit. If either pastor or people are focused on people first – themselves or others – then they won’t be operating fully as the Flock of God. I was recently taken to task by a reader for the matter of purchasing the land this church building stands on, saying that I should be focused on the needs around me rather than on physical things like land and buildings. It is very true that many churches are focused on their physical comfort more than ministering in God’s Name, but it is also the case that some are so focused on social programs for meeting physical needs that they have forgotten the One who gives it all meaning. As Paul makes very clear here, you can’t rightly call yourself a servant of Christ if anything other than Christ is first in your heart.

I have let the desire for human approval get in the way of following God more times than I could count, and I and this church have suffered for it. The other side of that is conceit, refusing to take correction from a brother or sister in Christ, insisting that I alone can hear from God. That too has damaged me and this church. I’ve got to be humble in my commitment, considering others better than myself (Philippians 2:3) and being willing to hear God through whomever He chooses to speak, without fearing what any person might say. That’s not an easy balance! My heart must be focused on Christ first and foremost, allowing Him to touch people through me, by word and action. I cannot afford to fail to speak or act because of what someone other than Christ might think or say. He must be my absolute standard.

Father, thank You for Your patience with me on this issue. Thank You for how You have grown me, and for the awareness that here, too, I have more room to grow. Help me receive Your lessons in all humility, obedience, and joy, so that You may be glorified as Your will is done in and through me. Thank You. Praise God!