Galatians 1:10 (NIV) “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Reflection
If you’re an athlete in today’s world, comparison is everywhere-rankings, highlight reels, scholarship offers, and social media stats. It can feel like your value rises and falls with how you stack up against someone else. But Paul draws a hard line here. He’s not interested in applause from people. He’s living for the approval of One.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to improve. But when your confidence is based on comparison, you’ll always be unstable. One day you’re enough. The next, you’re not. This verse invites us to a better foundation: confidence rooted in Christ.
You were not created to live for likes or to prove yourself to others. Your identity is not in your performance, position, or potential. It’s in being a child of God. That truth doesn’t change-no matter your stat line.
Playing for God’s approval means you compete with peace, not pressure. You serve, you hustle, you lead-not for recognition, but from a place of knowing you’re already accepted.
Application
Ask yourself before your next game, lift, or post: “Who am I really trying to impress?” Let your confidence come from God, not comparison.
Compete with Faith. Grow with His Word.
🔗 Previous Devotional: October 1 – Win the Battle in Your Mind
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