Key Bible Verse: If I were still trying to please people, I would not be Christ's servant (Galatians 1:10). Bonus Reading: 2 Corinthians 2:14-3:6

I was a relatively young pastor when a volatile issue arose with the potential of splitting the church. Our strong-minded elders were equally divided. My vote would break the tie. The climactic board meeting was set for a Thursday evening.

I told Cynthia I had to be alone overnight to think everything through. I got into my Volkswagen early Wednesday morning, turned onto the highway, and rested my New Testament on the steering wheel as I drove along. I opened to Galatians and began reading, glancing up onto the road, then back down at my Bible. Suddenly [today's Key Bible Verse] leaped off the page like a tiger with sharp claws. I immediately pulled over, turned off the engine and read the words aloud again and again.

I not only had my answer, I'd stumbled upon a life-changing principle. Confidence replaced fear, and now my only goal was to please God. I did a U-turn and returned home. The following night, I openly declared my conviction, which displeased some of the elders but resulted in what proved to be the best decision. A few left the church—yet for the first time in my ministry I experienced a surge of freedom.

—Charles R. Swindoll in The Grace Awakening

My Response: How are my decisions affected by realizing that God is watching? … that His power is accessible?

Thought to Apply: I believe in getting into hot water; it keeps you clean.—G.K. CHESTERTON (English journalist and writer)

Adapted from The Grace Awakening (Word, 1990) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Work in my life, Lord, causing me to be motivated by eternally significant goals.

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