Truth Over Applause

"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." — Galatians 1:10

Who are you trying to please?

Here's a real problem many of us face: We think we need to please people. When that happens, one of two things occurs. Either we stay silent and uninvolved because we're afraid of saying the wrong thing, or we get manipulated into only telling people what they want to hear.

If you must have the applause of others, you will only tell them what they want you to say. You'll avoid anything that might offend someone. You'll water down truth to keep people comfortable.

Have you noticed that our whole culture is being shaped by not wanting to offend anyone? God accepts people as they are, but He loves them enough not to keep them like that. The last thing we need is to allow ourselves to be manipulated by other people because we think we need their affirmation to be effective.

God wants your "Yes" to be "Yes" and your "No" to be "No." He will hold many pastors and churches responsible for changing the message of the Gospel because they long for the affirmation of the culture rather than God. They're changing the message of holiness and righteousness to seek approval from people.

Paul makes it crystal clear: You cannot please people and be a servant of Christ at the same time. It's one or the other. Either you're seeking human approval or God's approval—but you can't chase both.

God calls us to be truth-tellers. He wants us to do ministry in His power, in His presence, and for His glory. He wants us to "stand and deliver" and listen to the applause of heaven rather than the applause of men.

If there was ever a time when the world needs men and women to stand up and deliver the truth—regardless of what it may cost them—it is now. God has called you. You have His approval. Now speak His truth with boldness and love, and let heaven do the applauding.