Living to Please God—and Why Others Might Notice, Too
Romans 14:18 – “Because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.” (NIV)
Have you ever chased after someone’s approval… and ended up exhausted?
Whether it’s trying to earn a boss’s praise, win over a family member, or just be “liked” in a world that seems to thrive on likes, we’ve probably all felt the pull of human approval. We want to be accepted. We want to be seen as good, wise, valuable. But if you’ve lived long enough, you’ve probably also learned this: people’s approval is unpredictable—and fleeting.
So when Paul writes in Romans 14:18 that someone “receives human approval,” it might make us pause. Wait—aren’t we supposed to be living for God, not people?
Yes. But let’s look closer.
What’s Paul really talking about?
Romans 14 is all about living in harmony with other believers, even when we disagree on non-essential matters. At the time Paul wrote this letter, there was a lot of tension in the early church over what people were eating, what days they considered sacred, and how “free” they were in Christ. Some believers were clinging tightly to old traditions; others were walking boldly in their newfound liberty. And they were judging each other for it.
Paul reminds them—and us—that the kingdom of God isn’t about rules like eating and drinking, but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). And then he says this:
“Because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.” (v. 18)
Serving Christ in this way means choosing peace over pettiness, grace over legalism, and joy over judgment. And when we live like that—anchored in Christ, led by the Spirit, and committed to building others up—we’re not just pleasing God. We’re living in a way that earns the respect of those around us.
So what does “human approval” mean here?
Paul isn’t encouraging us to become people-pleasers. He’s not telling us to water down our convictions or avoid standing for truth. In fact, Paul often lost human approval because of his bold faith.
But there’s a difference between chasing applause and gaining respect.
What Paul is talking about is the kind of human approval that flows naturally when someone sees Christ in us. When we live with integrity. When we show kindness to people who think differently. When we bring peace into conflict and joy into heavy places.
Think about it: even people who don’t share your beliefs might say, “I may not agree with her, but I respect how she treats others. She’s consistent. She’s honest. She’s different—in a good way.”
That’s the kind of human approval Paul is pointing to. It doesn’t replace God’s approval—it reflects it.
You don’t have to choose between pleasing God and being respected by people.
In fact, the more we become like Jesus, the more we’ll often find both. Not always, of course—Jesus Himself was rejected and misunderstood. But when we live a life marked by gentleness, humility, peace, and joy, many will see it. And some might even be drawn to the God who makes that kind of life possible.
In a world filled with hot takes and harsh opinions, imagine what it would look like if we lived this verse out daily. Not shrinking back, but stepping forward with peace. Not fighting to be right, but fighting to be kind. Not trying to impress people, but trying to serve Christ.
Take it personally:
- Where in your life are you tempted to chase approval from others?
- How would your decisions change if your primary goal was to serve Christ this way—with righteousness, peace, and joy?
- Is there someone in your life who needs to see the love of Jesus through your actions, not just your words?
A Simple Prayer:
Lord, I want to serve You with my whole heart. Help me to live in a way that reflects Your peace and joy—not to impress others, but to honor You. And if others take notice, let it be because they see You in me. Amen.
Journal Prompt or Comment Invitation:
Take a few minutes today to reflect or journal:
🖊️ “Where in my life do I feel tempted to seek approval more than I seek obedience? How can I shift my focus back to serving Christ in the way Paul describes?”
Or share your thoughts in the comments—what helps you stay focused on pleasing God when the world’s opinions feel loud?