Do It To Please God; Not Men
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 wound not be a servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10)
Paul defended himself because critics were accusing him of teaching "an easy gospel" to increase his popularity. They thought faith alone, without the Jewish law, was a watered-down gospel.
Paul's concern was for spiritual truth, not his approval ratings. Paul set the record straight. If he changed the gospel to suit men, he would not be a bondservant of Christ. In fact, he would be inviting the wrath of God upon himself.
Whose approval are you seeking: God's or man's? "Be careful not to do your "acts of righteousness" before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:1).
Even what you do on earth in the name of God, you will not be rewarded for it in heaven if it is done to please men instead of God Himself.
Delayed rewards from God are better than instant "pats on the back" from men because greater is your reward in heaven (Matthew 5:12).
Rev. Margaret Minnicks
