Approval

Galatians 1:10
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
 
I battle daily with wanting the approval of others. I have found that most people I encounter battle with wanting the approval of others also. I’ve made many poor decisions in my life when I tried to appease the masses. Many great leaders have steered off course as they continued on the ever-changing treadmill of approval from their people. Many have started strong in their walk with Christ only to take a detour in an effort to please others. As leadership and influence grow, balancing the approval of others with what God wants us to do becomes more difficult and complex. 
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At some point in life we all have to make a fundamental decision to value what God thinks over what people think. This is what Paul is talking about in Galatians 1:10. Paul knows it’s impossible to live the life that Christ wants him to live if he’s always seeking the approval of man. By all means, take into account what others say, listen to feedback, let your trusted inner circle critique you. But when your actions are constantly dictated by what other people think, you become defeated, discouraged, and ineffective. You’ll never win the approval of everyone. The noise will get loud and the critics will get louder. When this happens, get alone with God, get with His Word, get wisdom from your trusted counsel, and do what God wants you to do. Don’t cave to the crowd. After all, some of the greatest potential for God’s Kingdom is wasted due to the fear of man. 
 
John 12:43
For they loved human praise more than praise from God.