Freedom — From Your Former Life – Wednesday
TODAY’S VERSE
Galatians 1:10
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. (ESV)
Very few moments in my adolescence had a greater impact on the trajectory of my early years than one brief interaction I had in the 6th grade. My buddies and I were walking to our lockers after receiving our grades when one friend in particular took a glance over my shoulder and saw my stats: nothing but As and A+s. Up to this point in my academic trajectory, I was known for being one of the smartest kids on the block. But little did I know that was all about to change.
Within a second of seeing my report card, my friend smirked and said, “You’re such a nerd.”
Those four words subconsciously ignited a new mission within my soul: do whatever is necessary to gain the approval of others. I wish I were kidding when I say this, but I literally started to purposefully miss points in class so that my report card looked more “normal.” I went from being a helpful student to one of the biggest nuisances in class. (This is a story for another time, but I’m almost certain I was so bad for a certain student teacher in 7th grade that she gave up her career in teaching before it ever officially began.)
By the time I reached high school, the damage was already done. I no longer cared about learning. I only cared about what others thought of me. And what is currently one of my greatest sources of God-given joy, purpose, and freedom – learning – was temporarily suppressed in my pursuit of gaining the approval of my peers. I was somehow convinced that freedom would be found only when I lived in accordance with the image others saw in me, but the opposite was actually true.
This is why I love Galatians 1:10. Paul is speaking to a group of people who are being tricked into giving up their newfound freedom in Jesus (by reverting back to reliance upon law rather than love), and he drops a hint as to how they can maintain it. Freedom is exclusively found living from the approval of God as opposed to living for the approval of man. This truth is woven all throughout the testimony of the Scriptures.
APPLICATION
Carve out 15 minutes today to sit in silence and meditate on one or all of these passages (including Galatians 1:10).
Proverbs 29:25
Matthew 10:26-33
Hebrews 13:5-6
Additionally, if you have not read The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller, I highly recommend you do so. It’s short, easy to read, incredibly cheap, and chock-full of biblical wisdom. If you spent the $4 and roughly 45 minutes needed to purchase and read this book, I’m convinced you’d have a new vision of what freedom in Christ could look like for you.
PRAYER
Lord, forgive us for our propensity to live for the approval of man. Grow within us a greater desire to please You in all that we think, say, and do.