Paul, writer of Galatians, lets us know in the first line of his letter that he won't tickle our ears. He is no people–pleaser. How often do we modify our words based on who's around? Paul didn't. Whether he spoke to Peter, the senior leader of the Church, or to Timothy, a young pastor just getting started, Paul consistently spoke the truth without reservation.
People–pleasing is an addiction of sorts. It starts with a craving for approval. After we're satisfied with the applause of men, we long to hear it again not realizing we receive the applause of men at the expense of the praise of heaven. Of the Pharisees seeking man's approval, Jesus said, “They have received their reward.”
When our actions are dictated by men rather than God, we are automatically limited. No man can offer the reward that God can. What man can say this, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”? God truly is able to do more than we can ask or imagine. Why then do we place our faith and trust in the opinion of men?
Let it be said of us today that we sought God's approval rather than man's. Let it be said of us, “They are God–pleasers!” And when we hear the applause of men, let us be unsatisfied and reminded that we wait patiently to hear from the Lord, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!”