The other day I was struck by these two verses.
Galatians 1:10
‘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.”
1 Corinthians 10:33
“just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.”
What is the balance in these two verses? It seems to be a tug-of-war in Paul. But thats just it… there is not. Because it is not about Paul. In Galatians, he clarifies with calling himself a “servant of Christ.” In Corinthians, he clarifies with “not seeking my own advantage.”
The Christian life is like that. The person who has died with Christ, died to self, and alive in him. The person who does not count his life as having any value at all except living for Christ is the one who is able to live to please God and live to please everyone.
Now thats a fine line for self. But its not a problem if self is crucified and gone.
To God be the glory!