“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 (NIV)
Trap of People-Pleasing
In our pursuit of acceptance and validation, it’s easy to fall into the trap of people-pleasing.
But this path is ultimately a dead end, leading us into a prison of conformity and inauthenticity.
Pursuit of God’s Approval
In contrast to the endless chase for human approval, there is a higher calling – the pursuit of God’s approval.
This is not about earning His favor through our own efforts or trying to impress Him with our accomplishments; it’s about aligning our hearts and lives with His will, seeking to honor Him in all that we do.
Freedom of Serving Christ
When we shift our focus from pleasing people to serving Christ, a remarkable thing happens: we experience true freedom.
No longer bound by the ever-changing demands and expectations of others, we find liberation in the knowledge that our identity and purpose are rooted in the unchanging love and acceptance of our Heavenly Father.
Living as Servants of Christ
Living as servants of Christ means embracing a life of radical obedience and surrender to His will.
It requires us to let go of our own agendas, ambitions, and desires for approval, and to instead seek His kingdom and righteousness above all else.
As you do this, you discover that His ways are not burdensome but life-giving, leading you into a deeper experience of joy, peace, and purpose.
“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?” – Deuteronomy 10:12-13 (NIV)
Focus on What Truly Matters
Our hectic lives often leave us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from what truly matters.
Yet, these requirements are not oppressive burdens but invitations to breathe in God’s grace and find fulfillment in aligning our lives with His purposes.
Reverence
To fear the Lord does not mean to cower in terror but to stand in awe of His majesty and power.
This humble acknowledgment opens the door to true obedience.
Obedience: Following God’s Path
Obedience is not mere rule-following but a response of love and trust. When we walk in obedience, we allow God’s wisdom to guide our steps.
As we follow His path, we discover that His ways are indeed for our good.
Embracing the Giver
Love is the heartbeat of our relationship with God.
Love transforms obedience from a duty to a delight.
Living with Undivided Devotion
To serve God with our entire heart and soul is to live with undivided devotion.
As we breathe in God’s grace and align our lives with His desires, we discover the true freedom and fullness that come from walking in reverence, obedience, love, and wholeheartedness.
Let go of lesser things and cling to the essentials, finding our deepest satisfaction in the One who asks us to give Him our all.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11, NIV)
Context
This verse comes from a book that is attributed to King Solomon, the wisest and richest man who ever lived. In this book, he shares his observations and reflections on life, as he searches for meaning and purpose in a world that seems full of vanity and futility.
In chapter 3, he talks about the seasons and cycles of life, and how there is a time for everything under the sun.
Message
What can we learn from this verse and its context? First, we can learn that God is the creator and sustainer of everything. He has made everything beautiful in its time, according to His design and plan.
Second, we can learn that God has given us a sense of eternity. He has also set eternity in the human heart, meaning that He has planted in us a longing and a desire for something more than this temporal and transient world.
Third, we can learn that God is beyond our comprehension. Yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end, meaning that we cannot fully grasp or understand the mystery and the majesty of God and His works.
How can we apply this verse and its message to our lives? Here are some suggestions:
Worship God
Acknowledge that God is the creator and sustainer of everything, and that He deserves our praise and gratitude. Thank Him for His beauty and goodness, and for His grace and mercy.
Adore Him for His greatness and glory, and for His love and faithfulness. Surrender to Him as your Lord and Savior, and trust Him as your Father and Friend.
Seek God
Recognize that God has given you a sense of eternity, and that He is the only one who can satisfy your deepest needs and desires.
Ask Him to reveal Himself to you, and to guide you in His truth and will. Study His Word, and listen to His voice. Pray to Him, and commune with Him. Serve Him, and follow Him.
Humble yourself before God
Realize that God is beyond your comprehension, and that you need His wisdom and grace. Do not lean on your own understanding, or rely on your own strength. Do not question or challenge God’s ways, or resent or rebel against God’s purposes.
Do not boast or brag about yourself, or judge or condemn others. Rather, submit to God’s authority, and depend on God’s power.
Seek God’s forgiveness, and extend God’s forgiveness. Learn from God’s correction, and grow in God’s likeness.
God has set eternity in the human heart, and He invites us to know Him and love Him. This is the message of Ecclesiastes 3:11, and this is the message of the gospel. Let us heed it and live by it.
It is important to take care of your heart. Not just the physical heart that pumps blood, but also the emotional heart. The Bible says to “guard your heart” (Proverbs 4:23) because everything you do flows from it. This means that your thoughts, words, and actions are all influenced by the condition of your heart.
To guard your heart, you need to be mindful of what you expose it to. Surround yourself with positive influences that build you up and encourage you. Avoid negative influences that tear you down and discourage you. This could include things like negative self-talk, toxic relationships, or harmful media.
Another way to guard your heart is by practicing forgiveness. Holding onto grudges or bitterness can weigh you down and prevent you from living a full and joyful life. By choosing to forgive those who have wronged you, you release yourself from the burden of anger and resentment and open your heart to healing and restoration.
In conclusion, guarding your heart is essential for living a healthy and fulfilling Christian life. By being mindful of what you expose your heart to and practicing forgiveness, you can protect your emotional well-being and positively impact those around you.