Galatians 1:10 - Would Jesus wear frayed jeans?

I'm not paranoid. At least I don't think so! Even if people have been bold enough to  comment on inconsequential things, from a pimple on my face to the color of my tie. Such comments are irritating like a mosquito, and just as easily brushed away.

But a few years ago I was walking to the post office. I happened to look down. I was wearing an old pair of blue jeans that day, and noticed that the bottom hem of the pant legs were severely frayed--enough that threads were dangling around my shoes. 

"Uh-oh! People might talk about 'how sloppy that pastor is' if they see me wearing such shabby clothes." 

At that point, God gave me a gentle thump on the chest from the Apostle Paul:

"If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant." (Galatians 1:10, New Living Translation).

It's commendable to build good working relationships with coworkers; loving and trusting relationships with friends and family. There's a temptation to please people that goes beyond that.

Whose opinion matters most in your life--even for things more important than frayed denim? The servants of Christ are most concerned with His opinion, with pleasing Christ. 

Lord, Get our focus off of ourselves and off of other people. Refocus our attention on the One who will not only reward us someday, but the One who IS our reward. Amen. (Genesis 15:1; Hebrews 11:6)