How do I balance my need for approval by God and my desire for approval by others?

Proverbs 3:3-4Never 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 God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.

Romans 14:17-18The 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.

1 Thessalonians 2:4Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.

We should always live for God’s approval, even if that means losing the approval of others. Sometimes doing what pleases God also pleases others (especially godly people), but that will not always be the case. God has many enemies who love evil more than good, and their approval is not desirable.