Title: Do not be shaped by this world. Instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you. And you will be able to know what is good and pleasing to God and what is perfect.
Matthew 12:43-45
When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
Take note Galatians 1:10 Ultimately, Paul establishes that serving Jesus requires single-minded devotion; one cannot faithfully preach the true gospel while simultaneously living for human applause.
Romans 12:2
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Thought.
I aim to please God not man I do understand I need God approval not man’s approval
Galatians 1:10
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.
This verse addresses the friction between human approval and divine truth, marking a turning point in Paul's opening address to the early churches in Galatia. The core context of the passage includes:
The Crisis of a "Different Gospel": Unlike his other letters, Paul skips the traditional opening thanksgiving. He is alarmed that the Galatians are deserting the true gospel of grace to follow a distorted message (often driven by Judaizers) that demanded strict adherence to Jewish laws and circumcision.
The Call to be a "Bondservant": Paul points to his harsh rebukes of the false teachers as definitive proof that he does not seek human approval. He argues that a true "bondservant" (or slave) of Christ has only one Master to please.
2 Timothy 2:15
An Approved Worker
Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
"Approved unto God": The phrase originally referred to refined metal that has been tested and purified. It reminds the reader that their ultimate accountability is to God, not to popular opinion or the approval of other people.
"Rightly Dividing": It means to interpret, teach, and apply the Scriptures accurately. In the original Greek (orthotomeō), this literally means to "cut a straight path". It reflects the image of an experienced craftsman (like a mason or tentmaker) making clean, precise cuts to build a sturdy structure.
Reflecting on Romans 12:2 and Galatians 1:10, I’ve personally found that the process of renewing one’s mind isn’t just a one-time event—it’s a daily commitment to choose God’s perspective over the world’s values. It can be challenging to resist the natural desire for human approval, especially in today’s social culture that often celebrates popularity and conformity. From my own experience, focusing on pleasing God requires an intentional shift in how I approach thoughts, actions, and relationships. When I stop trying to impress others and instead seek God’s will, I find greater peace and purpose. This transformation begins by immersing myself in scripture and prayer, which helps me identify and discard worldly patterns of thinking. The passage from Matthew 12:43-45 reminds me that simply removing negative influences isn’t enough—our hearts must be filled and transformed by God’s spirit to prevent returning to old harmful ways. This teaches an important lesson: true change comes from being made new inside, not just external modifications. I’ve noticed that living as a 'bondservant of Christ,' as Paul describes, means dedicating my whole life to one master—God—not to the approval of people. This single-minded devotion enables me to speak and live authentically, even when it goes against popular opinion. Moreover, 2 Timothy 2:15 encourages me to be diligent and accurate in understanding and sharing God’s word, reminding me that spiritual maturity involves both learning and applying truth responsibly. In practice, this mindset has empowered me to handle criticism and rejection with grace, knowing that my ultimate accountability is to God alone. This freedom is a powerful motivation to keep growing spiritually and to help others experience this transformation as well. By continually choosing God’s pleasing and perfect will over worldly approval, I believe we pave the way for a more meaningful and joyful Christian walk.
