As servants of God, as believers in Christ Jesus, what question should we ask ourselves?

(NIV) Galatians 1:10 “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

Strong words”¦important questions which need to be addressed.

Jesus had died and was still hanging on the cross.

(NIV) John 19:38-39 “Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate”™s permission, he came and took the body away. 39He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night”¦”

Joseph feared the religious leaders because he was a member of the respected and revered body of the Sanhedrin”¦the council of 70. Nicodemus was a Pharisee also (See John 3:1).

What turmoil must have warred in these two men as Jesus died. Their reputations, their influence in that important religious body, would surely be affected by their actions.

How often do you want to appease everyone? People-pleasers do that”¦and it isn”™t possible at times.

What fears do you face? These are real fears:

Fear of being disliked due to personal choices.

Fear of others”™ anger.

Fear of not being respected and/or loved.

Fear of loss of position, power and/or prestige.

As a servant of God, as a believer in Christ Jesus, what question should you ask yourself?

(NIV) Galatians 1:10 “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.”