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)
Recently, I met with my study group and one of the ladies attending asked a question that took me off guard. She asked us all "Why?", specifically why were we doing this particular study, what was our motivation?
Why?
That is a small question with big implications. And, her question stuck with me. Why, indeed. I started applying that question to everything I was doing... my decisions, my schedule, my responses. I began using it like a speed bump in my journey through life. Allowing it to slow me down and really make me think.
Then I noticed, I began to apply it to other people. If they said something that upset me, instead of responding immediately... I asked myself "Why, do you think she said that?".
I was able to see things a bit clearer in my life and in my relationship with others. Why, gave me clarity.
In Galatians 1:10, we are presented with a WHY question. Why are we doing the things we do, saying the things we say? Are we doing it for the approval of man? Or, of God? Are we doing it to be accepted by the world? Or, is it for the Kingdom? Are we trying to please others? Or, God?
And, in a further step in thought.... am I doing it for my glory or His? In the new year, we face a lot of choices. I challenge all of us to add the question of WHY into our decision making process. Pray that God will reveal the motivations of our heart and the heart of others so that we can make the decisions that glorify Him!
*Written by Gena McCown for the TC3 Women's Ministry Devotion Blog
