“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10
Bible Verses About Pleasing God Not Man
Seeking God’s Approval
In our lives, the quest for acceptance often becomes paramount. Sometimes, we find ourselves caught in trying to seek people’s approval rather than God’s. It is crucial for us to recognize that our primary focus must be on seeking God’s approval. When we strive to do things in alignment with His will, we open ourselves to the joy and peace that only He can provide. God’s applause is far more significant than any human applause. Making choices that please Him requires courage and faith, leading us to a purposeful and fulfilling life.
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1
Galatians 1:10
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10
1 Thessalonians 2:4
“On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:4
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
Counting the Cost
Choosing to please God rather than people often comes with a cost. As we follow Christ, we need to be prepared for challenges and trials along our journey. It’s important for us to remember that the path to righteousness is not always easy, but it is incredibly rewarding. When we bear our cross and pursue what God wants for our lives, we grow stronger in faith and character. We might be misunderstood or even criticized for our beliefs, but remaining steadfast allows us to experience the depth of God’s love and grace.
Luke 9:23
“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’” – Luke 9:23
Matthew 5:10
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:10
2 Timothy 2:3
“Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” – 2 Timothy 2:3
John 15:18
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” – John 15:18
Matthew 10:22
“You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” – Matthew 10:22
The Heart’s Intentions
The condition of our hearts matters greatly in our walk with Christ. God sees beyond our actions to our true intentions. This means that pleasing Him involves not just what we do but how and why we do it. We should strive to cultivate a heart that desires to honor God in all things. It requires self-reflection and honesty about our motivations. By aligning our hearts with God’s, we can ensure that our actions genuinely reflect our commitment to Him, allowing His light to shine through us.
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” – 1 Samuel 16:7
Proverbs 16:2
“All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.” – Proverbs 16:2
Jeremiah 17:10
“I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” – Jeremiah 17:10
Psalm 139:23-24
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” – Psalm 139:23-24
Proverbs 21:2
“A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.” – Proverbs 21:2
Bold Faith
Living to please God often means stepping out in faith and being bold in our beliefs. We need to stand firm and speak truth, even if it makes us uncomfortable or unpopular. This boldness is not from our strength alone, but from our faith in God guiding and supporting us. As we embody this courage, we can be a beacon of hope to those around us. Making choices that align with God’s will can influence others to seek Him, even when faced with opposition or doubt from the world.
Acts 4:19-20
“But Peter and John replied, ‘Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.’” – Acts 4:19-20
Romans 1:16
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” – Romans 1:16
Hebrews 10:23
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” – Hebrews 10:23
Matthew 10:32
“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.” – Matthew 10:32
2 Corinthians 5:7
“For we live by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7
God’s Kingdom First
Pleasing God means prioritizing His Kingdom above all else. We are called to seek His Kingdom first, trusting that our needs will be met in the process. Our lives should reflect His priorities, focusing on love, justice, and mercy. When God’s Kingdom is our priority, we are more aligned with His purpose and can experience the joy of serving Him. This doesn’t mean we neglect our responsibilities; instead, we entrust God with our worries while we pour our efforts into advancing His Kingdom.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
Luke 12:31
“But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” – Luke 12:31
Philippians 3:14
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14
Mark 10:29-30
“Truly I tell you, Jesus replied, ‘No one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age.’” – Mark 10:29-30
John 12:26
“And where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” – John 12:26
Trust in His Plan
Choosing to please God requires trusting in His divine plan for our lives. Our understanding of what is best can be limited, but God sees the full picture. We can take comfort in surrendering our concerns to Him, understanding that He is in control. When we lean into our trust, we find peace in knowing that God’s way will always lead us toward fulfillment and joy. Relying on Him liberates us from the fear of not measuring up to the expectations of others and allows us to flourish in His grace.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.” – Psalm 37:5
Isaiah 55:8-9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9
Psalm 139:5
“You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.” – Psalm 139:5
Final Thoughts
Choosing to please God instead of man is a profound journey we’re all invited to take. It may not always be easy, but it’s essential for our spiritual growth and fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives. As we reflect on the various aspects of pleasing God — seeking His approval, counting the cost, prioritizing His Kingdom, and trusting in His plan — we find our faith growing stronger and our hearts aligned with His will. Each step we take in this direction draws us closer to Him and enriches our lives with purpose and joy.
Let us move forward with confidence, knowing that when we seek to please God, we stand on a firm foundation. We remind ourselves that God’s love and grace enable us to be bold in our faith and to live authentically. For those looking to explore further, there are more encouraging biblical messages, including being different than the world and doing the right thing to guide us on our paths.