A Thought for the week
Week of August 24
 
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
 
I find we often try to please people in the church. Most of the time because we are trying to stop conflict or a tricky situation. People pleasing can work for a while. The more you give in the more you take away. Before long you have nothing left.
I think that is what Paul is talking about here. When we seek the approval of others over Christ, we start to worship the affirmation of people rather than Jesus. Being of Christ is not easy. It causes friction in relationships and communities, but in Christ, we can work past disagreements and struggles. It will most likely end with no one feeling fully pleased but will end with Jesus and Gospel at the center.