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

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Do you need any last-minute gifts before Christmas morning? Hopefully, my asking doesn’t spiral you further into panic mode. On the other hand, this may be the perfect moment for a heart check. You’ve still got two days until the annual celebration of Jesus’ birth! Why not sort out whose approval you’re trying to win and who you’re trying to please? Fear of rejection should be far from our hearts, especially at Christmas.

Paul’s introspection in Galatians 1:10 gives us a window into every human soul—including our own. Am I currently being who God created me to be? Doing what He calls followers of Jesus to do? And serving others on His behalf? Or am I turning my back on what’s true? Fearfully focusing on human approval? And compromising my character, and Christ’s, as a people-pleaser? No one escapes the tension between honoring God and being liked by others without a bit of soul struggle.

This may seem strange, but today’s passage gave me an idea for us to try as we finish the countdown to Christmas. Here’s a bit of backstory first. Sometimes I second-guess gifts that I have already purchased for people I care about. I wonder if they’ll really like it or if I should have bought something else. I’ve also been guilty of frantically hunting for last-minute gifts to impress family members, friends, and colleagues. Maybe you’ve never done either of these, but I bet you can relate.

Now, here’s my idea. Will you join me in trusting God that what you’ve already chosen to give people this Christmas is enough? Will you listen for God to show you how to serve your family, friends, and colleagues this week, whether or not you exchange presents? And will you welcome God’s approval and seek to please Him over anyone else this season? I believe our hearts will experience Jesus’ presence in a powerfully fresh way if we do, and so will people we encounter. That’s a last-minute gift worth receiving and giving.

Next Steps

Are you up for a little Christmas gift-giving inventory? Make a list of who you’re giving gifts to this year and pray for each person by name. Ask God to lead you in serving people over the holidays more than seeking to be served.