no man-pleaser

Do you think I speak this strongly in order to manipulate crowds? Or curry favor with God? Or get popular applause? If my goal was popularity, I wouldn’t bother being Christ’s slave. Know this—I am most emphatic here, friends—this great Message I delivered to you is not mere human optimism. I didn’t receive it through the traditions, and I wasn’t taught it in some school. I got it straight from God, received the Message directly from Jesus Christ.
Galatians 1:10‭-‬12 MSG
https://bible.com/bible/97/gal.1.10-12.MSG

Paul was definitely not afraid of speaking direct truth. He lived to serve Jesus Christ and called a spade a spade. Here he makes this plain.

Our loyality is always tested when faced with an opportunity to make ourselves appear benevolent, wise or kind. Self-aggrandizement is very tempting, especially when we are making new friends or defending a position.

Personally, I know I must seek the Holy Spirit's help in this area. Ego is a nasty beast, and one I must defeat.

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