Galatians 4:18
“But it is good always to be eagerly sought in a commendable manner, and not only when I am present with you.”
This is a rare comment about feelings and social connections. I believe he's making this point because the Galatians used to seek out Paul, but don't any longer. He was an important person in their lives. He brought the gospel to that region, led them to Christ and established the church. They loved Paul. They would seek him out.
Unfortunately, some judaizers came to the region and taught a contrary message. They said, "Faith in Jesus is essential, but they also needed to keep the law." While this was devastating for the Galatians, this was fortunate for us, as Paul corrects them in this letter. He teaches that Jesus' death on the cross can save us. Nothing else. Such a message of grace is so amazing it's difficult to grasp. Much of life is gained by effort and work. Not so with salvation. While right living comes in after salvation, it has absolutely nothing to do with obtaining it. Letters like this, Romans and Ephesians were the emancipation proclamation.
When the false teachers arrived they must have turned the Galatians against Paul. He was an important citizen of the region, but no longer. Paul knows that he's fallen out of favor with them. His comment in today's passage let's us see the pain he feels. He misses them and how they would seek him out.
Paul is saying that it's nice to be popular. We feel loved and important. We all crave this state. Many of life's problems diminish when we feel loved. The problems still exist, but we've got much sunshine on the social side of our lives.
Unfortunately, people's perception can easily change as happened with Paul. Just like good weather will alternate to gloomy overcast, so popularity will wane. Jesus talked about building one's life on the rock, not shifting sand. While people's attitudes can change God's does not. He will always love us. That and His truth are the rock to be built on.
We can enjoy the approval of others, but not let it be our goal. We are to live for the Lord, not others. Ephesians 6:5b,6 says this about our attitudes when working for bosses and superiors, we are to do our best "in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart." We become people pleasers when we live for popularity.
We will learn to do the right thing even though it displeases others. Paul did. He wouldn't veer from the truth of the gospel, even though he lost the Galatians. He's attempting to win them back, but for their sakes.
One of the blessings God gives His children is favor and respect. Psalm 23 says, "Thou prepares a table for me in the presence of my enemies". He grants favor and success. It's a byproduct of being His child.
Lord, thank You the favor You give us. Thank You as well for the strength through the tough times when we have difficult relationships.