“For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10
The Galatians were drifting away from the grace of God, trying to fulfill righteousness by the law because of the persuasion of false believers. And isn’t that what happens to many of us today? We start strong in grace, but along the way, we let voices, culture, or even people around us influence us more than the Word of God.
How is your walk with God today? Is it about pleasing people, or is it about pleasing Him? When you share the gospel, are you leaning on your own talents and persuasion, or are you moved by compassion, knowing the lost are heading toward eternal separation from God?
There are moments when we get discouraged because we don’t see the fruit we expect. There are times we want recognition, respect, or validation from others. These are real feelings, but they should never become hurdles that stop us from doing what God has called us to do. Serving the Lord is not always easy. Walking with Him may bring discomfort, challenges, and even opposition but it is always pleasing in the sight of God.
Paul makes it clear, if our focus is pleasing people, we are not true bondservants of Christ.
In Roman times, a bondservant or slave was someone in a permanent position of servitude. Under Roman law, they were considered the owner’s property, with no rights, not even the right to their own life.
And yet, throughout the New Testament, Paul, James, Peter, and Jude all boldly call themselves “bondservants of Christ.” Why? Because they understood that to belong fully to Jesus was not shameful but honorable.
A bondservant of Jesus means our life is no longer our own. Our existence is not about doing what we want or pleasing people in man’s eyes. It means living faithfully, willingly, and completely devoted to the Lord’s purpose, to accomplish His will above all else.
In the world, servanthood meant weakness. But in God’s Kingdom, being His servant carries humble nobility. To serve the One who has all authority is the highest position of honor we can ever hold. It is privilege.
We are called to serve Him alone, not our own desires, not the will of others, but His will. That is what it means to be a true bondservant of Christ.
So today, Are you living to persuade men, or to honor God?
Are you seeking approval from people, or faithfulness to Christ?
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