I too often try and please people or to seek their approval or acceptance - either via prideful boasting, by not ruffling feathers in times of disagreement or conflict, or via sins of commission or omission that serve to further an effort conform to an accepted behavior or way of life. This is really present in my life the more I think about it.
One top of mind example is my lack of confidence sometimes to pray a prayer to bless food when I have a meal with non believers, say people at work. This is just one example and of course there are more.
This is why Paul's statement is so penetrating for me.
If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
My Prayer: Lord, Your work and plans are perfect as I have seen You work in my own life and the transformation You have set in motion in my life is nothing short of miraculous. It is ONLY through You that such work is done. Yet I don't thank You enough and I still don't love You enough and I still let You down - please please forgive me and I DO seek to be Your servant and I DO seek to love You with all of my heart. Please continue to transform my heart and my life.
