Approval

approval - How can I balance my desire for others’ approval and God’s approval?

We speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.

1 Thessalonians 2:4

The Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too.

Romans 14:17-18

I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.

Galatians 1:10

MANY WOMEN have a deep need to feel liked and approved of by others. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but this desire becomes distorted when we allow others’ approval to define us. If not having someone’s good opinion leaves us feeling rejected, alone, and worthless, we know our priorities are unbalanced. Sadly, some people’s approval is impossible to gain. When we’re struggling with not receiving someone’s approval, we can go back to what God’s Word promises. Our lives matter greatly to him, and our highest goal ought to be pleasing him rather than those around us. When you fail to receive the approval of others, remember that almighty God loves you and desires a relationship with you—not because of what you do but simply because of who you are.

Prayer Prompts

Lord, I really want the approval of this person: . . .

Your Word promises me that only your approval matters because . . .