Tuesday: Forgiveness and Consequences: Navigating Sin's Aftermath

Week 11:  People-Pleasing vs. God-Pleasing

BIG IDEA: A loving God will slow you down and even allow suffering so that you will do things the right way with the right heart.

Scripture: "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." - Galatians 1:10

Reflection: Perhaps the toughest lesson I (Chris) have had to learn as a pastor: You can't be a people-pleaser and a great leader at the same time - people-pleasing is a moving target that will never be satisfied.  I’ve tried to get everyone to agree with me.  I’ve tried to get everyone to like me.  I’ve tried to make everyone happy.  And it didn’t take too long for me to learn that this is clearly an impossible task.  The number one person I’ve gotta please is my Audience of One….Almighty God….the Creator of all things.  And if I make Him happy, everything else has a way of falling into place.  

Application: Identify one area where you might be making decisions to please others rather than to please God.

Devotional Jam for the Day: “Lay Me Down” by Chris Tomlin or “Available” by Elevation Worship

Prayer: God, give me courage to seek Your approval above all else, even when it's difficult.