Are You Seeking the Wrong Kind of Approval? A Biblical Reflection on Galatians 1:10

Everyone likes to be liked.

It feels good to be accepted and to know that others value us. But sometimes, we face the temptation to fear man more than we fear God. In those moments, we may go to great lengths to gain the validation we think we need.

We may try to impress others, or simply aim to blend in. Either way, it’s easy to lose sight of who we’re ultimately living for.

What People-Pleasing Really Reveals

At its core, people-pleasing is a pursuit of immediate, tangible approval from others rather than seeking lasting approval from God. It’s rooted not in love for others—but often in love for self. We long to be accepted, to feel seen, to earn praise.

In Galatians 1, Paul addresses Jewish Christians who were preaching a message contrary to the gospel of grace—insisting that the Mosaic law still applied. Paul didn’t hesitate to correct them.

He wasn’t after their approval. He writes:

“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, ESV)

You Can’t Serve Two Masters

Seeking the wrong kind of approval reveals the true condition of our hearts. Paul makes it clear: we cannot seek the approval of both man and God. Jesus echoed this truth in Matthew 6:24 when He said,

“No one can serve two masters.”
Our hearts will worship, fear, and love one thing—what (or who) we serve.

When we chase approval from man, we’re often doing it to serve ourselves. And when we act out of self-interest, even under the guise of kindness, it’s not true love.

The Cost of People-Pleasing

This endless striving for validation will always leave us empty. We may gain applause, but we’ll miss out on the deep soul rest that comes from knowing we’re already fully accepted by God through Christ.

Friend, does your heart long for approval? Are you seeking it in the wrong place?

Resting in Christ’s Approval

Here’s the good news: the approval you’re searching for is not out of reach. In fact, it’s already been secured for you.

Jesus Christ, in the ultimate display of love, died and rose again so that you could stand approved before the throne of God—forever. No performance required. No striving necessary.

There is nothing left to earn. Nothing left to pay.

Let us thank God for His forgiveness and grace, and may we rest in the approval that is already ours in Christ.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that in Christ I stand approved before You. Help me to trust and rest in Your perfect love above all else.