Living for the Audience of One: Reflections on Galatians 1:10

Recently, I came across a minister from a mainstream denomination posting crude photos online. I won’t name them, but the incident deeply troubled me—not just because of the content, but because it reminded me of a struggle we all face: the tension between seeking the approval of people and living in obedience to God.

As I reflected, the words of the Apostle Paul came to mind:

“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, ESV)

These words confront a timeless tension for every believer. In a world obsessed with likes, followers, and affirmation, Galatians 1:10 calls us to a radically different standard—one that prioritises the audience of One.

I know this struggle firsthand. For much of my life, I’ve battled the need to be liked and seen as kind, agreeable, and non-confrontational. Even in ministry, I sometimes softened the truth to avoid making anyone uncomfortable. But over time, the Holy Spirit convicted me: Was I being faithful to God, or just managing perceptions? This verse became a wake-up call—an invitation to choose courage over compromise.

Paul wrote Galatians to address a crisis in the early church. False teachers were distorting the gospel, adding human requirements to the finished work of Christ. Paul’s strong rebuke in the verses leading up to Galatians 1:10 makes it clear: he is not seeking to please people. His commitment to truth—even when it offends—proves he is a servant of Christ. This is both a defence of his authority and a model for us all: pleasing God must take precedence over pleasing people.

People-pleasing is a subtle temptation. It often masquerades as kindness or diplomacy, but at its root, it can stem from fear—fear of rejection, criticism, or exclusion. Today, it can look like:

Staying silent about your faith to avoid awkward conversations

Compromising biblical convictions to fit in socially or professionally

Measuring your worth by social media engagement or public approval

I’ve fallen into this trap more times than I’d like to admit. I remember sharing a message I knew God laid on my heart, only to immediately worry about how it was received. Did I offend someone? Was I too harsh? That post-message anxiety was a red flag. When our peace is tied to others’ responses rather than our faithfulness to God, people-pleasing has taken root.

Scripture warns against this pattern. King Saul lost God’s favour when he disobeyed God’s command because he “feared the people and obeyed their voice” (1 Samuel 15:24). When we allow human approval to govern our actions, we risk veering away from God’s will.

Living to please God is both liberating and demanding. It frees us from the exhausting pursuit of human approval and centers our identity in Christ. It challenges us to:

Speak truth with love, even when it’s unpopular

Make decisions based on God’s standards, not cultural trends

Serve without needing recognition or applause

Romans 12:2 reinforces this mindset:

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”

Pleasing God means being transformed, not merely accepted. Though it may cost us temporary comfort, it reaps eternal rewards.

The first time I truly stood up for biblical truth in a difficult conversation, I was terrified. My voice trembled, my hands were sweaty, and my mind replayed the conversation for hours. But in the stillness of prayer, I felt the Lord’s affirmation. It wasn’t eloquence or confidence that pleased Him—it was obedience.

We all face moments where people-pleasing tempts us to compromise. It might be in a staff meeting where biblical truth is mocked, or among friends who pressure you to endorse values that contradict your faith. Overcoming this requires intentionality:

Pray for boldness: Ask God for courage to stand firm in truth.

Anchor in Scripture: Hide God’s Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11) so it shapes your responses.

Seek accountability: Surround yourself with believers who encourage conviction over compromise.

Follow Jesus’ example: He was rejected, misunderstood, and ultimately crucified—yet He remained obedient to the Father (John 5:30; Luke 22:42).

One thing that helps me is journaling prayers before tough conversations. Writing out what I believe God wants me to say—and committing to say it in love—grounds me in obedience before I ever speak. It reminds me that faithfulness isn’t about perfect outcomes, but a heart surrendered to God’s will.

If you find yourself entangled in the need for human approval, take heart. The Gospel declares that you are already fully accepted in Christ (Ephesians 1:4-6). You don’t have to earn God’s favour; you already have it because of Jesus.

So pause and ask yourself: “Whose approval am I living for today?” Let Galatians 1:10 reorient your priorities. Commit to being a servant of Christ—one whose life reflects unwavering devotion to God, not shifting public opinion.

God is not looking for perfection; He’s looking for hearts that are fully His. If you’ve stumbled into people-pleasing, there’s grace for you. He gently calls you back to Himself—to a life of freedom, integrity, and purpose.

You can’t faithfully serve Christ and simultaneously live for the applause of people. The call to follow Jesus is a call to die to self, to stand for truth, and to live for an audience of One.

May Galatians 1:10 be the lens through which we evaluate our motives, decisions, and daily walk.

So today, choose obedience. Choose boldness.

Choose to live for the One whose opinion truly matters.

May we have the courage to say with Paul:

“If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”