The Reality…

“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.

What drives a person to seek the approval of others? George Müller, the renowned philanthropist and preacher, once said:

“There was a day when I died to George Müller—his opinions and preferences, tastes and will; died to the world, its approval or censure; died to the approval or blame even of my brethren or friends; and since then I have striven only to show myself approved unto God.”

I can relate to Müller’s words. There have been moments in my life where I have died to the world and its approval, striving to focus solely on God. Yet, there are still times when the opinions of others weigh heavily on me—when affirmation feels like a necessity. Growing up, I knew little about nurture or self-esteem. My mother, living in survival mode, had to work tirelessly while raising my sister and me in the shadow of an abusive and hostile father. Amidst her struggle to keep life together, affirmation was rare, if not entirely absent, in our home.

Now, as an adult, that lack of affirmation still affects me. Although I manage it better, it occasionally distracts me, particularly in relationships. I often question the authenticity of relationships that feel distant or cold. I also wrestle with understanding those who intentionally avoid consistent contact, perhaps due to personal preferences or feelings of superiority. George Müller reached a point similar to that of the Apostle Paul, who boldly shared the gospel with the Galatian churches, even when it disturbed them. Despite how it might have been received, Paul didn’t hesitate to tell the truth. He was deeply concerned that the Galatians were deserting Christ for a different gospel.

“Reflection time can become dangerous territory for pastors.”

I find that same confidence when I am studying or preaching. My heart and focus are entirely aligned during those moments. However, after the sermon, things often feel more challenging. Reflection time can become dangerous territory for pastors. I’ve questioned my abilities, dwelled on moments I stumbled over words, and felt inadequate compared to others who seem far more skilled. These thoughts are not constant but frequent enough to affect me. What helps me is remembering Paul’s words in Galatians 1:11–12.

“For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Paul understood that the gospel’s hard truth wasn’t something given by man—it was revealed to him by Christ. His calling wasn’t because he was qualified; in fact, Paul himself admitted his unworthiness in Galatians 1:13–15.

“For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace.”

Paul’s past could have disqualified him—he persecuted the church and sought its destruction. Yet God chose him to be the very messenger who would bring salvation to the church. It’s remarkable to think how the apostles initially reacted to Paul in Acts 9:26–27. They were afraid of him and doubted his discipleship.

Barnabas stood by Paul, affirming his testimony of encountering the Lord and preaching boldly in Jesus’ name. Even later, as Paul grew in his ministry, some criticized him. In 2 Corinthians 10:10, people said his letters were strong and weighty, but his physical presence was weak, and his speech held no value. Seeking approval is difficult, especially for someone who never received it growing up. But thankfully, God’s approval is what truly matters. Warren W. Wiersbe once said:

“Faith enables us to turn from the world’s approval and seek only God’s approval.”

Paul emphasizes that one cannot be a servant of Christ while striving to please others. Here, he is addressing the pursuit of approval. According to the Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, “please” implies “acting in a fawning manner, seeking favor, or flattering.” While I am not inclined to live a life driven by flattery to gain approval, the tendencies and impulses are undeniably present. Without being consistently brought before God in prayer and repentance, these inclinations can suffocate the vitality of a pastor’s ministry.

“My worth isn’t tied to others’ opinions but to Christ’s sacrifice, which fully included me in God’s family.”

This idea lies at the heart of the issue. Is my need for approval rooted in a lack of faith in Christ’s acceptance of me as His child? It seems that way. The problem is not how well a sermon was delivered or what others think of me—it’s a failure to fully trust in my standing before God through Christ. This realization calls me to repentance and a renewed faith in my acceptance as a child of God. My worth isn’t tied to others’ opinions but to Christ’s sacrifice, which fully included me in God’s family. When I feel the urge to seek approval, I must remember that Christ endured rejection so I could experience hope and eternal life with the Father. My identity as a child of God matters most—a relationship that will never change—a relationship I need to remind myself of when tempted to despair in what others think of me.