Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead
Galatians 1:1 NIV
Paul’s opening words in his letter to the Galatians carry immense weight, especially for us as believers. This powerful statement clarifies the source of his authority. Paul was not appointed by any human. Instead, his apostleship came directly from God alone.
This reality shaped everything about Paul’s ministry. Because he understood his divine assignment, he knew he did not have to answer to any human, no matter their position. His ultimate responsibility was to the Lord alone. This deep conviction gave him an unshakable confidence. Similarly, this understanding offers us a profound lesson. When we recognise that our purpose comes from God, it frees us from the pressure of human approval. We are not bound to any earthly authority; we are accountable to God alone.
This truth also serves as a critical reminder: our mission is to please God, not people. While we must live with integrity, our ultimate loyalty is to the One who sent us. It is easy to act a certain way in front of others. However, we can never deceive God. He sees beyond our actions and reads the deepest intentions of our hearts. As Psalm 139:2 says, “You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.”
Since God knows everything, there is no hiding from Him. He sees the truth of our hearts, no matter how we portray ourselves. Therefore, we must live with a humble and honest heart before Him. This understanding should motivate us to embrace our responsibility with sincerity. Our ultimate audience is God. Ultimately, our life’s purpose is to honour the One who sent us—Jesus Christ and God the Father.
Living It Out
Reflect on your own life. Are you more concerned with pleasing people or with honouring God? Take a moment to surrender your desire for human approval. Then, reaffirm your commitment to living for an audience of One.