NOTES for Gal 1:6-12

Once again Paul reminds us who matters most, who comes first. For so often we really do seek people's favor and do something so that they will speak well of us. But Paul speaks clearly and sternly: “If I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ.” We keep trying to combine the incompatible: to please both God and people. To act according to our heart, yet still be liked by everyone around us. We fear human condemnation. We look over our shoulder: what will they say? What will they think? Paul does not look over his shoulder. He has chosen his path; he knows that he is following the path God has appointed for him. Everything else is unimportant. Whatever anyone may say, we shall be servants of Christ only if we give up the idea of pleasing each and every person.