In today’s world, standing as an authentic biblical Christian is often misunderstood, ridiculed, or even resisted. The pressure to conform, to water down convictions, or to apologize for living out the Word of God is very real. But beloved, the Bible reminds us that we are called to please God, not men.
“For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”
— Galatians 1:10 (KJV)
The apostle Paul made it clear: you cannot be a true servant of Christ and live to win the approval of men at the same time. The world will always try to make the believer feel “extreme,” “too serious,” or “old-fashioned” for living by God’s standards. But truth is not up for negotiation.
1. Authenticity Is Costly but Worth It
Jesus Himself warned us that the world would hate us because it hated Him first (John 15:18–19). If our faith looks too comfortable to everyone around us, we must ask if we are truly living the authentic biblical life. Authentic Christianity is not about blending in; it is about being the light that shines in the darkness.
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”
— Matthew 5:14 (KJV)
Light exposes, light convicts, and light guides. Don’t dim your light to make others comfortable.
2. Don’t Apologize for Doing What Is Right
The Bible exhorts us not to grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9). Choosing purity over compromise, integrity over dishonesty, faith over fear, and obedience over rebellion will sometimes cost you relationships, opportunities, or applause. But it will never cost you God’s approval.
“We ought to obey God rather than men.”
— Acts 5:29 (KJV)
Peter and the apostles refused to apologize for their obedience, even when faced with imprisonment. They understood that pleasing God is always greater than pleasing men.
3. Boldness Is a Mark of True Discipleship
When Daniel prayed openly in Babylon, he was not apologizing for his devotion to God (Daniel 6:10). When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image, they were not apologizing for their loyalty to God (Daniel 3:16–18). Their stand brought them into fiery trials, but also into fiery testimonies.
Authentic biblical Christians must walk in this same boldness today. We are not called to arrogance, but to courage. We do not apologize for the gospel; we proclaim it with love and conviction.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.”
— Romans 1:16 (KJV)
4. The Audience That Matters Most
At the end of the day, we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10). Men’s applause will not defend us, and men’s criticisms will not condemn us. What will matter is whether we lived to please the Master.
“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”
— Romans 14:12 (KJV)
Live every day with eternity in mind. Don’t apologize for holiness, for prayer, for obedience, for standing by the Word, or for saying “no” when everyone else says “yes.”
Final Charge
Child of God, stand tall in your faith. Stop apologizing for being who God has called you to be. Don’t shrink back. Don’t compromise. Don’t bow. Please God, not men.
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
— 1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV)
🙌 Reflection Question: Where in your life have you been tempted to apologize for living out your faith? How can you renew your courage to please God above men today?
The Message Bearer, Cornelius Bella
corneliusbella 