Seeking to please God is a central theme in the Christian life, and this requires distinguishing between genuine obedience to Him and attempts to gain human approval. According to Galatians, trying to please people can lead to compromising one's faith, as the apostle Paul warns against becoming a slave to human opinion. In contrast, the book of Acts shows the early Christians refusing to prioritize human approval over obedience to God, and Ephesians and Colossians instruct believers to serve with sincerity, not just to impress others. Romans emphasizes the importance of being transformed by God's will, rather than conforming to the world's expectations.
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Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes the flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD.
because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.