Chasing Approval

We are conditioned in our lives to seek the approval of others. As we grow up, we’re praised for doing something good—whether that’s in school by teachers and fellow students or in the workplace by our leaders and bosses. Ask yourself this: what do we truly gain by seeking the approval of those around us?

An initial response to that question might be, “It feels great,” right? And it does feel great. However, eventually, one of those people will fail to give that approval we sought. Then, you may end up doing things you shouldn’t, like lying, just to gain approval. It can quickly become a messy situation. 

The focus isn’t on whether you’re looking for approval from “the wrong person.” It’s that you will never find the approval you truly need in people! Only the one true God can fulfill that deep-rooted need for approval.

There is comfort in knowing that you don’t need the nicest car, the biggest house, or to be the most innovative on your team to gain the Lord’s approval. The moment you accept Jesus Christ into your life and make Him the Lord of your life, you’re approved by God.

• Galatians 1:10 says, “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.”

You are a child of God! Through Him, you have all the approval you could ever need. This is the kind of approval that will NEVER go away.

Who or what are you currently seeking approval from?

• 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”