“For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:19
Seeking Approval from Others
We live in a world where seeking validation from others is common. Moments we crave attention can lead us to focus on what others think of us rather than what God desires from us. Our self-worth should come from our relationship with Him and not from trying to gain applause from those around us. When we shift our focus, we find that our true identity lies in being God’s beloved children, not in the fleeting admiration of people.
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
John 12:43
“For they loved human praise more than praise from God.” – John 12:43
Proverbs 29:25
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” – Proverbs 29:25
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
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'” – 1 Samuel 16:7
Desiring Attention in Relationships
In our relationships, we may sometimes seek excessive attention or validation from others, wanting to feel important and loved. We want our voices heard and our feelings acknowledged; this highlights a deep human desire to be valued by those around us. However, it is essential to remember that genuine love requires balance. Authentic relationships flourish when we share, care, and seek to uplift one another without competing for attention.
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
James 4:1
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” – James 4:1
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4
1 Peter 5:5
“In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” – 1 Peter 5:5
God’s Attention is Better
While wanting attention is a natural human feeling, God reminds us that His attention is more fulfilling than any other. When we seek God’s presence, we learn to find peace and satisfaction in Him rather than in the fleeting validation we often chase. We must remember that His love is constant and unwavering, while the attention from people can easily fade away.
Psalm 139:17
“How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!” – Psalm 139:17
Isaiah 49:16
“See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.” – Isaiah 49:16
Matthew 10:30
“And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” – Matthew 10:30
1 Corinthians 3:16
“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” – 1 Corinthians 3:16
Hebrews 4:13
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” – Hebrews 4:13
Finding Fulfillment in God
We must learn to find fulfillment in God alone rather than seeking it from others. Relationships and the satisfaction we receive can come and go, but our relationship with Him is constant. We are called to share our burdens with Him, knowing His love secures our worthiness. This understanding nurtures a deeper connection with God, allowing us to experience true joy and satisfaction.
Psalm 34:10
“The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” – Psalm 34:10
John 7:37
“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.” – John 7:37
John 4:14
“But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.” – John 4:14
Matthew 5:6
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” – Matthew 5:6
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
The Dangers of Being Self-Centered
Seeking attention can sometimes lead us down a path of self-centeredness. When our focus is on ourselves, we can miss the beauty of serving others and being part of a larger community. The danger of this mindset is that it can hinder our spiritual growth. True fulfillment is found when we promote kindness and love, moving away from the desire for self-promotion to humility and selflessness.
Philippians 2:4
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:4
Luke 14:11
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Luke 14:11
Proverbs 11:2
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” – Proverbs 11:2
1 John 2:15
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.” – 1 John 2:15
Galatians 5:26
“Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” – Galatians 5:26
Being True to Ourselves in Christ
One of the most liberating truths we can grasp is understanding our worth when rooted in Christ. Rather than seeking attention for our identity, we learn to accept ourselves as God intended. Through faith in Him, our insecurities dissolve, allowing us to shine authentically in the light of His love. When we live out of our true identity as Christ’s followers, we focus on building others up rather than seeking their validation.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
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
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Final Thoughts
In our quest for attention, we often overlook the love and validation that God extends to each of us. We may chase the approval of others, but true fulfillment comes from God alone. We should prioritize our relationship with Him, understanding that our identities are shaped by His grace rather than mere human approval. As we experience God’s unwavering attention, we find peace and purpose.
As we grow in our faith and embrace God’s love, let’s remember the importance of uplifting others instead of focusing solely on ourselves. Real joy springs from serving one another and reflecting Christ’s love in our interactions. Finding contentment in our relationship with the Lord liberates us from the chains of wanting attention and guides us toward fulfillment in Him.
For those seeking deeper connections with God, I encourage you to explore more topics such as the love of God or loving one another. Together, we can support and inspire each other on this faith journey.