Do everything for the approval of God

“Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.” Galatians 1:10 NLT

In an article published yesterday titled, “Colorado Springs mountain runner breaks record at world-renowned race," it was reported that Allie McLaughlin visited Alaska for the first time over the July 4 weekend and left with her name in state history and mountain running history. That was after setting a record in one of the globe's most renowned short-distance foot races, Mount Marathon. After 3 miles round trip up and down a notoriously steep and treacherous mountain face, McLaughlin crossed the finish line in downtown Seward in 47 minutes and nine seconds. That bested the previous all-time women's mark of 47 minutes and 48 seconds set in 2015 by Emelie Forsberg, the world champion out of Sweden. McLaughlin joined her and famed Alaskan Allie Ostrander as the only women to ever finish the century-old race in under 50 minutes… The history-making was "really cool," she said, but even cooler was to have her name by Forsberg and Ostrander. "To be in that category now, it feels good," McLaughlin said. "I don't have anything to prove to anyone, but it's always fun to have respect from other people in the community."

And you know, while it might be “fun” to have respect from other people, Paul was clear that everything we do and say should be done to win the approval of God rather than the approval of men. In fact, he was so adamant about it that he declared, “If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.” In other words, you and I can’t please both God and man. Therefore, we should live and act to hear the applause of the only One whose approval matters—knowing full well that doing so will most likely win us the contempt and disrespect of the community rather than their acclamation and approval.

So in all things remember that you are “Christ’s servant” tasked with the duty of knowing Him and making his great Name known my friend. You were bought at a price and belong to Jesus. May your life reflect that truth and glorify the One who willingly paid your ransom. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are Christ’s servants above all else. Help us to live lives so worthy of that title that we might make it our utmost goal to please You rather than men so that others might be drawn to the foot of the Cross by our allegiance to the One true King. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!