I am a servant of Christ
Stop.
Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Say to yourself, “I am a servant of Christ”. Repeat it as you breathe. Let it center you in this moment and throughout your day.
Listen.
Am I now seeking human approval, or God’s approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still pleasing people, I would not be a servant of Christ. – Galatians 1:10
Reflect.
In Paul’s letter to the Galatians, which we’ll be reading from in worship for the next few weeks, Paul tries to redirect a community of believers. He has heard that the faithful community in Galatia has been swayed into thinking God’s grace needs extra rules. He is frustrated and disheartened to hear that they will not hold to the truth of the gospel despite his teachings.
Paul barely starts his letter with the requisite polite greeting before he starts to get into his argument. He practically yells at them in his writing: “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you in the grace of Christ” (v 6). He wastes no time in correcting their mistake and showing them the danger of their actions.
But he’s clear about where he’s coming from when he does it. He’s not offering correction to be superior, to be admired, or to sound important. He does not particularly care about their love and admiration. He seeks only to serve the gospel and ensure everyone hears the truth about Jesus. As he reminds the Galatians, sometimes pleasing people and serving Christ are at odds.
It can be a hard message for us. We want people to like us. We have heard the old adage that you attract more flies with honey than with vinegar and so we try to be gentle with our insistence on the full welcome of the gospel. But sometimes, being centered in the gospel means removing ourselves from the approval of others. While we always speak the truth in love, we never let the gospel’s word of grace, mercy, and love get coopted by rules, expectations, or restrictions. A minor conflict, while difficult, can produce major truth.
Pray.
God, I often worry what others think. Lift this burden from me. Help me stay focused in the truth of your grace so that all people might hear the good news you share. Let me be fearless in serving you above all else. Amen.
Carry On.
It’s okay to want to serve others and bring them joy, but not at the cost of compromising yourself and your faith. How can you release people-pleasing tendencies today in favor of being faithful to God’s work in your life?