“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
Understanding True Approval
When we think about seeking approval, it’s often easy to be tempted by the desire to please those around us. In our lives, we may sometimes place too much value on what others think. The Bible encourages us to focus on receiving true approval from God rather than human validation. When we seek God’s approval, we find freedom and true peace, which are much more fulfilling than the fleeting recognition of man. In our daily lives, let us strive to align our actions and intentions with His will. Our hearts should long for God’s approval above all else, as it brings us into line with His purpose for us.
Matthew 6:1
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 6:1
John 12:43
“For they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.” – John 12:43
Romans 12:2
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2
1 Corinthians 4:3
“But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.” – 1 Corinthians 4:3
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” – Colossians 3:23
Recognizing the Dangers of Seeking Approval
In the pursuit of always wanting others to like us, we sometimes forget the impact this can have on our spiritual life. Seeking man’s approval can lead us down paths of compromise and hypocritical behavior. When we focus solely on what others think, we risk losing our integrity and straying from Jesus’ teachings. Let us remember to take a step back and evaluate our motives. Are we truly following God’s expectations for us? By being honest with ourselves, we can avoid the pitfalls of misguided approval and stand firm in our faith, trusting in God’s acceptance.
Proverbs 29:25
“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.” – Proverbs 29:25
Galatians 1:10
“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
James 4:4
“You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” – James 4:4
Matthew 10:28
“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” – Matthew 10:28
1 Thessalonians 2:4
“But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:4
Choosing God Over Public Opinion
While it may feel good to receive applause and positive feedback from our friends and family, we must remember that seeking God’s presence is far more important than seeking the approval of people. In every action, we can choose whether to conform to social standards or to follow God’s teachings. By aiming to please God first, we strengthen our relationship with Him and find a deeper purpose in life. Let’s commit ourselves to follow God’s guidance as our benchmark, instead of adjusting our behaviors to fit in with the expectations of the crowd.
Luke 6:26
“Woe to you when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.” – Luke 6:26
Acts 5:29
“But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.'” – Acts 5:29
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
Matthew 5:10
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:10
2 Corinthians 5:9
“So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.” – 2 Corinthians 5:9
The Power of Inner Confidence
True confidence comes from God; it is about understanding that we are loved and accepted by Him regardless of others’ opinions. When we grasp our value in Christ, we start to develop an inner peace that cannot be shaken by outside judgment or disapproval. This inner strength allows us to be authentic in our relationships and to live joyfully in the choices we make. Let us rely on our identity in Christ to rise above the need for people’s approval and encourage those around us to do the same.
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
1 John 3:1
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” – 1 John 3:1
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” – Psalm 139:14
Living for Christ Alone
We are called to be followers of Christ, and this means prioritizing His desires above all others. Living for Him means engaging fully in loving others and our walk with God. By keeping our focus on Jesus, we begin to understand that His approval is what truly matters. Let’s take courage and strive forward with the knowledge that living truthfully according to God’s word is our greatest calling, allowing His love to shine through us as we live in unity with our brothers and sisters around us.
John 14:15
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” – John 14:15
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20
Ephesians 4:1
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” – Ephesians 4:1
Final Thoughts
In our walk of faith, we often find ourselves longing for the acceptance and approval of those around us. Yet, we have learned that true fulfillment comes from seeking God’s approval instead. By embracing the values expressed in His Word, we can challenge our hearts to focus on what truly matters. We have seen that living authentically, knowing our worth in Him, can liberate us from the chains of needing approval from people.
As we continue our spiritual journey, let us strive to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. We can support each other in confidently following His teachings without feeling pressured to conform to societal expectations. When we live according to God’s purpose for us, we can help others to do the same, enriching our community with love, acceptance, and joy.
Take a moment to explore more topics related to faith, such as gaining the world and losing your soul or freedom in Jesus. Let’s continue to grow in our faith together.