Devotional Message

There are two opposing sources of validation—human beings and God—and there is an impossible tension between pleasing the people around us and serving God. Oftentimes, we make decisions in order to seek human approval. In social circles, at work, within relationships, we divert from our faith in order to satisfy the needs, desires, and wants of the people around us. Without realizing it, we tend to live our lives not for our Savior but for the people around us, leading us to compromise our faith, calling, and divine truths.

There is a stark difference between developing healthy relationships—ones where we serve, guide, and help the people we love—and unhealthy relationships that are fueled by people-pleasing. When we prioritize the approval of others over our own divine calling, not only do we do so at the expense of our well-being and authenticity, but we slowly walk away from the most important relationship—God himself.

To be a ‘servant of Christ’ in today’s world means that we have complete allegiance and submission to Jesus and make Him the focal point of all our relationships. Rather than following the patterns and behaviors of those who do not stand with faith—gossiping, lying, deceiving—we place Jesus at our center. In each moment when negative forces grip at us to seek external validation, we hold onto the validation that comes with walking with Him. We act in ways that resemble His character versus the characters in our reality.

When we seek God’s approval alone, there is great freedom we experience—because it is from that state we walk on this earth with integrity, honesty, and authenticity. As Paul boldly declared, we cannot serve both masters. The choice is clear: live for the applause of people or live for an audience of One.

Let’s Pray

Dear God, I confess today that I’ve sought human approval over your will, leading me to divert from your essence. Help me be courageous and break free from the bondage of people-pleasing and serve Christ regardless of the opinions and approvals of others.

Transform my heart so that Jesus becomes the focal point of all my relationships. When negative forces tempt me to seek external validation, remind me of the freedom and authenticity that comes from walking with you. Help me live with integrity as a true servant of Christ, for an audience of One. Amen.

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