“Now am I trying to win the favor of men, or of God? Do I seek to please men? If I were still seeking popularity with men, I should not be a bond servant of Christ (the Messiah)” Galatians 1:10 AMPC
Oftentimes when writing or performing any act of service, questions like the ones mentioned in Galatians 1:10 come to mind. As Christians our motive should always be to please our creator. There is never a need to seek accolades because he already placed his seal of approval on your life. You are already equipped to do what he created you to do (Jeremiah 1:5; Ephesians 2:10). Understanding this allows you the freedom to focus on being a good steward of your gifts and talents through education, practice, and sharpening your skills. Remaining in tune with the leading of the Holy Spirit through prayer and reading the Word of God will help you get what you need to be successful in your endeavors. He will lead you to the best resources and place the right people in your circle of accountability.
Striving to avoid rejection is counterproductive, everyone will not embrace you and what you have to offer. Jesus was not able to escape it; neither will you (Isaiah 53:3). Saul suffered terrible consequences for switching his focus from pleasing God to appeasing people:
1 Samuel 15:24-26 Then Saul admitted to Samuel, “Yes, I have sinned. I have disobeyed instructions and the Lord’s command, for I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded. But now, please forgive my sin and come back with me so that I may worship the Lord.” But Samuel replied, “I will not go back with you! Since you have rejected the Lord’s command, he has rejected you as king of Israel.”
As you read the rest of 1 Samuel 15 and the remainder of 1 Samuel, you will find Saul lived a life of torment, jealousy, and depression. If Saul would have remembered he received his elevation to kingship from God, his story might have ended differently.
When you find yourself trying to please people, stop and ask yourself if it is worth losing the approval of God (Luke 9:25; Matthew 16:26; Mark 8:36). Humankind may grant you opportunities and endorsements in society, but it is really the Lord who moves on their hearts to bless you at the right time with favor and promotion. He opens doors for you that no one can close and grants you opportunities that cannot be taken away when you please HIM. What God has for you is for you (Psalms 75:6 & 7; 1 Peter 5:6; Proverbs 21:1). Believe it!!