"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

Most men like the approval of others. And we like it because approval, applause, and accolades are a bump for the male ego. But you have to be careful when this happens because patterned repetition between external approval and internal pride can shape a need for this ongoing cycle. And if you become patterned to need approval to preserve your identity, then disapproval can lead to either unstable emotions or immoral behavior.

In Paul's statement to the people of Galatia, we hear advice from a man of great maturity. A man who found his indentity in God and not the approval of man. And when a man finds his identity in God, then his identity is rightly ordered. And notice how Paul ends this remarkable thought -- "I would not be a servant of Christ." These are not just filler words at the end of this proclamation. This is a statement of identity. He means to communicate that he views himself as a man whose role and identity is based on his position as a servant and slave of Christ and not of man. That his need for approval by man does not shape who he is, but rather Christ alone whom he serves.

DO THIS: Find your identity in God, not man.

PRAYER: God, as I enter my day help me humbly to find my identity in you. May I let go of my need for approval from man and find approval in you.