The Right Choice

Galatians 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
 
PAUL asked two essential questions: (1) Am I now trying to win the approval of men, (2) or of God? They are questions with one right answer: A true servant of Christ always seeks God’s approval. Paul was affirming his faithfulness to God’s Word and to the Galatian churches. He ws not a self-pleasing, self-directed teacher seeking his own glory.
    These two questions are good markers for our daily lives and our churches. What choices do we make each day? Will our decisions please nan or God?  
    The Christian way is to walk the way of righteousness – the road toward Jesus. Is that what we choose? We want to answer, “Jesus’ way.” But there seems to be a fork in the road with each decision. How do we respond to a challenge at work or in our personal lives? What is the best way to discipline a child? Do we speak to encourage or to discourage? How do we resolve conflict? What is the best use our time? Each decision will be approved in heaven or in the world. Indeed, a righteous road is a difficult pathway: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)   
    A mindset to please God begins with your choice to serve Jesus. When Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” (John 14:6) he was directing his disciples to the essential road they would soon walk. Jesus had told them he was leaving them, returning to the Father. His chosen 11 at that moment were very confused about Jesus’ words and the life ahead of them. What would they do? How would they choose the right way to live?
    Jesus answered their fears with himself. The only way to choose is Jesus’ way. The only truth to know is Jesus’ truth. The only type of life to choose is to live through the power of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension.
    We are born into a mindset that chooses our own desires first. But when we are saved from sin, we are born again. This is not simply a phrase to describe our spiritual rebirth. It is a truth that defines our new role to serve Jesus. It describes a new life with a new mind set toward heaven. A servant of Jesus obediently chooses the Master’s truth.   
    Why be a Christian if your purpose is to please the world? A Christian is to serve Jesus, pleasing God as you follow the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. (Psalm 23:3b) And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. (Hebrews 13:16)