GOD’S APPROVAL OVER MAN’S
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.
Galatians 1:10 (ESV)
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, a cartoon called Recess followed the adventures of a group of kids learning life lessons on the playground. Each episode used childhood situations to explore different aspects of growing up, navigating social difficulties, dealing with change/loss and learning to accept yourself. The show wasn’t a staple in the household growing up, but the message from an episode called Nobody Doesn’t Like T.J. has stuck out over the years.
This episode follows a kid named T.J., who’s popular and well-liked by everyone on the playground—except by a kid named Gordy. T.J. doesn’t know what he did or didn’t do to be disliked by Gordy, but bends over backwards to improve Gordy’s opinion of him. After spending an entire episode taking Gordy on adventures and exhausting every charismatic weapon in his arsenal, T.J. asks again, and the answer is still the same. When T.J. asks why, Gordy can’t give a reason—he just doesn’t like him.
Reflect on what you’ve done to earn someone’s approval, only to have it fall flat. Many of us are like T.J.—so much effort with disappointing results. Have you bent over backwards to earn approval, only to discover it would never happen? This could have been unrequited love, a one-sided friendship, a demanding parent, or an ungrateful spouse. These scenarios can leave us feeling inadequate and questioning our value.
Thankfully, God is different. You don’t have to perform to earn his approval. God knows exactly who you are and accepts you as you are. You can’t do anything to make Him love you more, and you can’t do anything to make Him love you less. If you can truly grasp how God feels about you, the need for man’s approval won’t matter as much because it can never compare to how God feels. How can you seek to please God and know his approval today?
APPLICATION: Search your heart and ask God where you’re seeking approval from others. What is that doing to your heart? Spend time with your Father and ask Him how He feels about you.
PRAYER: God, show me where I’m seeking approval from others instead of You. Give me a heart that seeks approval from You and to please You. Thank You for loving me as I am. Thank You that I don’t have to earn Your approval. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?