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
Sometimes in life you come across a circumstance and have to stand up for what’s right, regardless of the consequences. In January 2019, Christian Craighead, a SAS soldier, was in his truck in Nairobi, Kenya when a friend told him that a hotel and office complex had come under attack by terrorists. Craighead raced to the scene, armed himself and faced the attackers with support from others. It is reported that he rescued 700 people and single handedly took down two of the terrorists.
I imagine that Craighead had to give an account of himself after the attack, for taking action without the pre approval of his commanders. But no one could deny his immense bravery and quick actions by standing up against evil, risking his own life. He was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal of the British Armed Forces.
A similar laser focus on righteousness shows in a different way in the apostle Paul. He makes it clear in this singular verse that he isn’t interested in courting the approval of those around him, whilst showing them kindness as a ‘servant of Christ.’ It is to God, and God alone, that he looks to for affirmation, approval, confidence and guidance.
He lays down his life for the Lord.
For us too, perhaps we need to walk upstream at times, when encountering different situations in our personal and work lives. We are accountable to God for our actions. That means we need to be respectful to others but it also means that if there is an opportunity to do the right thing, we are compelled to do it, even at a cost. Sacrifice lies at the very heart of love and, as the Bible teaches, God himself is actually love.
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Pray for sacrificial opportunities to be kind to others, even at a cost – to show God’s love.
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