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
Finding Our True Worth
In a world that often measures value through likes, comments, and opinions, it can be easy for us to lose sight of our true worth. The Bible teaches us that our identity is found in Christ and not in the validation we seek from others. By embracing this truth, we can break free from the need for external approval, finding our confidence resting solely in God’s love and acceptance for us. We are cherished children of God, made in His image, and that alone should be the source of our worth.
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. – 1 Peter 2:9
Psalm 139:14
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. – Psalm 139:14
John 1:12
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. – John 1:12
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Ephesians 2:10
Isaiah 43:4
Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. – Isaiah 43:4
Posturing Our Hearts
We often reflect on what drives our desires, especially in seeking approval. When we realize that our focus should be directed towards God rather than others, we can better align our actions, thoughts, and intentions with His will. It’s essential to posture our hearts towards authentic passion for Christ. When we take our eyes off worldly validation, our actions become more focused on glorifying Him rather than drawing approval from others. This shift allows us to live genuinely.
Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. – Colossians 3:23
Matthew 6:1
Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. – Matthew 6:1
Proverbs 29:25
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. – Proverbs 29:25
Psalm 118:6
The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? – Psalm 118:6
1 Thessalonians 2:4
On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. – 1 Thessalonians 2:4
The Danger of People-Pleasing
Striving for the approval of others can quickly turn into a trap that keeps us from fulfilling the calling God has placed on our lives. When we prioritize others’ opinions, we risk compromising our values and drifting away from our authentic selves. This can lead to anxiety and dissatisfaction. The Bible urges us to be aware of this danger. When we place our trust in God’s guidance, we can boldly walk in His truth without fear of judgment from the crowd. Let’s also extend grace to others who may be caught in this snare and support them in finding approval in Christ.
Proverbs 28:25
The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper. – Proverbs 28:25
Galatians 1:10
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. – Galatians 1:10
Luke 6:26
Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets. – Luke 6:26
Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. – Proverbs 4:23
John 12:43
For they loved human praise more than praise from God. – John 12:43
Choosing God Over Others
Deciding to seek God’s approval is one of the most profound choices we can make. In prioritizing God over people, we allow His desires for our lives to take precedence over the fleeting opinions around us. This act of devotion leads to a life filled with purpose, joy, and fulfillment. As we deepen our relationship with Him, we learn to trust that His approval is far more meaningful than any worldly validation. We remind ourselves that ultimately, it is God we aim to please, and this choice profoundly impacts our hearts.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2
Matthew 10:32
Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. – Matthew 10:32
Galatians 6:4
Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else. – Galatians 6:4
John 14:21
Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them. – John 14:21
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:16
Renewing Our Mindsets
As we contemplate the need for approval, it’s essential for us to continuously renew our minds. This reflects the journey from a people-centered mindset to one that is grounded in God’s promises. By filling our minds with scripture and truths about who God says we are, we can reshape our perspective and dismiss the need for others’ validations. This transformation leads us to seek God’s perspective over human opinions, allowing us to rest easy in His approval. Our thoughts can significantly influence our behaviors when we align thinking with God’s word.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. – Philippians 4:8
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13
2 Corinthians 10:5
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. – 2 Corinthians 10:5
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6
1 Corinthians 2:16
For who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. – 1 Corinthians 2:16
Radiating His Love
Finally, experiencing God’s approval frees us to radiate His love in our interactions. When we are secure in His acceptance, we naturally reflect that to others. Seeking God’s approval helps us build genuine connections driven by love instead of a desire for validation. It encourages us to live authentically, allowing us to bless those around us, and ultimately fulfilling our purpose in Christ. By letting our actions stem from God’s love, we give others a glimpse of His grace through us.
1 John 4:19
We love because he first loved us. – 1 John 4:19
Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. – Galatians 5:13
Matthew 22:39
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ – Matthew 22:39
Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. – Hebrews 10:24
1 Thessalonians 3:12
May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. – 1 Thessalonians 3:12
Final Thoughts
As we explore the idea of seeking approval from others, we realize just how easy it can be to fall into that trap. Our identity is rooted in Christ, not in opinions. We rest in the truth that we are valuable and loved as His creations. By redirecting our focus from the validation of others to the fulfillment that comes from God, we can live filled with purpose and peace.
Let us remember that choosing God over people aligns our hearts with His desires. We are not meant to please others; our ultimate goal is to seek His approval and reflect His love to those around us. As we renew our minds and see ourselves through His lens, we nurture authentic relationships rooted in love, free from the burden of seeking external validation.
For further encouragement, consider diving into topics like forsaking God or exploring more verses at Bible Repository. Let’s continue seeking His truths together!