Who Has Our Attention?

For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 (New American Standard Bible)

The one we seek favor from and the one we strive to please will be the one we serve. Our attention will be on them and our actions will be geared toward them. They will have our allegiance as well as our following. Paul knew that as a bearer of the Gospel, he could not afford to seek the favor and pleasure of people because it would get in the way of what he was called to say and do. His message had to stay untainted as well as his motivation, mindset, and ministry. Some would have tried to silence him or at the least mold his message into what they wanted. Paul was not interested in embracing their agendas. He had one Master to serve. One to whom he would be a bond-servant. That was Christ!

For some, this verse would not be a problem to live out. Their sites are set on Christ and their dependency is built upon Him. They rely upon Him, lean on Him, and stay close to Him on a consistent basis. They are able to interact with others, minister to others, and be with others without it robbing them of their loyalty to God. There is never a swaying of their attention. I admire them and envy their strength.

For me, one of my greatest weaknesses has to do with seeking the favor, approval, attention, and pleasure of others. Why? Because I can so often attempt to derive my significance from them. With everything in me, I want to look to God for that but find myself drawn toward the need for others to instill it in me. For others to love me. For others to give me my value, worth, and identity. My needs are legitimate but where I am turning to get those needs met is not. My prayer to God on a regular basis is to help me shift my needs on to Him. To turn my attention and my desires toward Him.

God has graciously helped me make progress in this area but He and I both know that there is much more progress to be made. As He continues to probe the deepest caverns of my mind and soul, He is helping me to understand the basis for my looking to people and the growing dependency I can have on them. He desires my freedom even more than I do. His intent is that He becomes my focal point with undivided allegiance and attention. People will always be a part of my life (that is one way God chooses to work) but I want to come to the place where I am His bond-servant in every sense of the word. Living my life totally committed and totally connected to Him spiritually, physically, and emotionally.

Father, touch my life and redeem my story. Thank you that Your grace and Your hand run deeper than the most ingrained tendencies in me. Amen.

Above All Else
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGLGA78vpwA&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.