Release Your Need For Approval - In the Morning When I Rise
Release Your Need For Approval
Lord, how do I balance my desire for your approval with my desire for the approval of others?
Seek my Kingdom above all else, and live righteously. For my Kingdom is not a matter of what you 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 me, and others will approve of you, too.
Matthew 6:33; Romans 14:17-18
How can I earn a good reputation?
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both me and people, and you will earn a good reputation.
Proverbs 3:3-4
What can I pray when I find myself putting others’ approval above God’s?
I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of you, God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be your servant. For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. O LORD my God, you alone are the one I worship. I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart.
Galatians 1:10; Romans 1:16; Isaiah 26:13; Psalm 9:1
Most people have a deep need to be liked and approved of by others. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but this desire becomes distorted when we allow the opinions of others to define us. When you put Christ’s Kingdom first, other people’s approval is put into proper perspective. Oftentimes, others will be drawn to you because of your kindness, loyalty, and love. In what ways have you put the approval of others before God? Confess this to him and receive his forgiveness.
