Galatians 1:10 says:

“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.”

What encouragement does this verse provide?

1. Freedom from people-pleasing Paul reminds believers that their ultimate responsibility is to God, not to the changing opinions of others. This is encouraging when you feel pressured to gain approval, fit in, or meet everyone’s expectations. Your worth is not determined by human applause.

2. Confidence in doing what is right Sometimes obedience to God can be misunderstood or criticized. This verse encourages believers to stand firm in truth, even when it is unpopular. Knowing that God’s approval matters most gives courage to make difficult but right decisions.

3. A clear sense of purpose Paul’s question helps us evaluate our motives. Rather than living for the approval of others, we can live with the purpose of serving Christ. A focused purpose brings peace and direction.

4. Stability in a changing world Human opinions can change quickly, but God’s character and standards do not. This verse encourages believers to build their identity on God’s acceptance rather than on the praise or criticism of people.

Practical Application

When facing criticism, rejection, or pressure to compromise your convictions, Galatians 1:10 reminds you to ask:

“Am I seeking to please God or people?”

That question can bring clarity, courage, and peace.

Devotional Thought

Paul was defending the true gospel against those who wanted him to change his message to gain acceptance. His example teaches that faithfulness is more important than popularity. A life centered on God’s approval may not always be the easiest path, but it is the most secure one because it rests on the favor of the One whose judgment matters most.

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)

This verse is a summary statement to the section about no other gospel. There are some in Galatia who are instructing church members on the addition of elements of Judaism to the gospel being proclaimed by Paul. Paul speaks of this gospel as “another gospel” and anyone who preaches it is accursed. This is a strong statement in which to begin a letter, and it probably created some enemies for Paul.

This brings us to the point of Paul’s question about “seeking the approval of man, or of God.” Paul saw a problem in the churches at Galatia and was willing to call them on it even at the expense of a reaction against him. By his stand, Paul intends to defend the gospel to please God even if it means persecution from man. Are we willing to join Paul and take a stand for the things of God even if it means opposition?

Paul then makes an important point that we need to be mindful of. If we are not willing to take a stand for the truth, because of possible suffering that might occur, then are we truly a servant of Christ? “We have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4 ESV). We are not to be “people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man” (Ephesians 6:6 – 7 ESV).

Being born again comes with responsibilities. “We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10 ESV). Notice he said “should” not “must” but if we neglect his assignment there will be consequences. With our fascination with the things, pleasures, and comforts of the world, it seems to indicate that many members of the western church are not very committed to their assignment.

Do we demonstrate to the world that we are servants of Christ or do we seem to act more like those of the world? We must remember that one day all that we have done will be evaluated to see if we will receive a reward or loss. As in the parables of the ten minas (Luke 19:11 – 27) and the talents (Matthew 25:14 – 30), will we be able to present a gain in his investment in us when evaluation time comes?

“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)

1. What contrast does Paul make between seeking the approval of people and seeking the approval of God?
Answer: Paul presents these as competing motivations. His ministry was not shaped by a desire to say what people wanted to hear, but by a desire to remain faithful to God. Human approval often depends upon meeting people’s expectations, while God’s approval requires obedience to His truth. Paul understood that proclaiming the gospel faithfully could bring criticism, rejection, and persecution. The believer must therefore ask not merely, “Will people approve of what I do?” but, “Is what I am doing pleasing to God?” Faithfulness to God must take priority over popularity with people.

2. Why does Paul say that seeking to please people is incompatible with being a servant of Christ?
Answer: A servant ultimately answers to his master. If Paul’s primary goal were to please people, then human opinion would effectively become his master. But because Paul belonged to Christ, Christ’s will determined his message and conduct. This does not mean Christians should deliberately offend others or disregard their feelings. Rather, it means that when pleasing people conflicts with obeying Christ, loyalty to Christ must come first. Christian service requires a willingness to remain faithful even when obedience is unpopular.

3. Does Galatians 1:10 teach that Christians should never try to please other people?
Answer: No. Scripture encourages believers to serve others, live peaceably, show kindness, and consider the needs of their neighbors. The problem is not pleasing someone through love; the problem is making human approval the controlling motive of our lives. There is an important difference between serving people because we love them and compromising truth because we fear their disapproval. Paul could adapt his personal preferences for the benefit of others, but he would not alter the gospel to gain their acceptance.

4. How can the desire for human approval affect a believer’s faithfulness to God’s Word?
Answer: The desire for approval can subtly influence what we say, what we avoid saying, and even what we are willing to believe. A person may soften biblical truth, remain silent when truth should be spoken, or compromise convictions simply to avoid criticism. Galatians 1:10 calls believers to examine the motivation behind their choices. God’s Word, rather than changing cultural opinions or personal popularity, must remain the standard by which truth is measured.

5. What does this verse teach about our identity as Christians?
Answer: Paul identifies himself as a “servant of Christ.” That description places his identity, purpose, and allegiance firmly in Jesus Christ. Christians do not ultimately belong to themselves or live primarily for the expectations of others; they belong to Christ. This identity provides both responsibility and freedom. It gives us the responsibility to obey Christ, but it also frees us from the exhausting need to earn everyone’s approval. Our deepest concern becomes faithfulness to the One whom we serve.

6. How can Galatians 1:10 help a believer when obedience to God brings criticism or rejection?
Answer: The verse reminds us that opposition does not necessarily mean we are doing something wrong. Sometimes faithfulness to Christ will place us at odds with prevailing opinions or expectations. In those moments, the crucial question is whether we are faithfully following Christ. If our position is grounded in God’s Word and expressed with humility and love, we can remain steady even when others disagree. Our confidence rests not in universal acceptance but in knowing whom we serve.

7. What practical question can we use to apply Galatians 1:10 to everyday decisions?
Answer: A helpful question is: “Am I making this choice because it honors Christ, or because I want the approval of people?” That question can be applied to relationships, work, ministry, conversations, social pressures, and personal decisions. Galatians 1:10 challenges us to examine not only our actions but also our motives. The mature believer increasingly desires to be able to say, “My first concern is not whether everyone approves of me, but whether I am faithfully serving Christ.”