2 January Galatians 1

Fear God above a people

Galatians 1:10(VOICE) Do you think I care about the approval of men or about the approval of God? Do you think I am on a mission to please people? If I am still spinning my wheels trying to please men, then there is no way I can be a servant of the Anointed One, the Liberating King.

Fear of rejection will often keep us from speaking the truth, because if we speak what we know to be true we’re afraid that we’ll be rejected by people. Or people won’t tell you the real truth or real story, being afraid that you’ll reject them. In some cases, this can even silence our sharing about Jesus. We don’t share our faith because we’re worried about the approval of others. In overcoming the fear of rejection, we must realise that God is our salvation, and His acceptance and approval are all that matters.

Proverbs 29:25(NLT) Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety.

1 Thessalonians 2:4(NLT) For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.

Being satisfied with all we are in Christ, doesn’t mean we should be embarrassed, or even shy, about being influential. Rather, just the opposite. We should seek to increase our influence, if it is focused on showing the worth of God in Christ, not self. Jesus put it this way, Matthew 5:16(ESV) In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

John 12:43(ESV) for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God. Jesus condemned the Pharisees because they were seeking the approval of man but not seeking the approval of God. We need to realise that we can live our lives in ways that please God or displease God.

Let’s be motivated by seeking approval — but not the approval of man — the approval of God.

I conclude with “The antidote to the fear of man is not fearlessness but a better, healthier, more life-giving fear: the fear of God.” -Marshall Segal