“Am I trying to win the approval of men, or of God?” Galatians 1:10 NIV
The quest of the human spirit for approval finds realization in the affirming love of God.
My thoughts and comments today are about “approval ratings.”
Even the youngest child seeks signs of approval from the most important people in their life, Mom and Dad. Whatever your age, you will not realize your full potential without your worth and abilities being recognized and affirmed. A person who lives with an approval deficit may seek recognition where they will least find it. When I was a young Dad, my stepfather, Warren – a father, church planter, and pastor of many years – gave me sound advice, “Every child needs lots of sincere ‘atta boys’ to grow up healthy and confident.” I have found that true of boys and girls alike, and plenty of adults as well. I am not sure you ever outgrow your need for others’ affirmation. Warren is a wise man and I saw his practical wisdom in the effect of his encouraging words in the lives of our children and grandchildren.
Approval is an assurance you feel in your heart when affirming words are spoken by people who matter in your life. However, needing approval from others can become addictive with diminishing return. Paul recognized the subtle temptation to look more to men than to God, “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I am still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ?” Galatians 1:10 NIV. Apparently, Paul once relied on the approval of men which was sometimes at odds with his obedience to God. Man’s approval can be difficult to earn, fleeting to keep, and woefully inadequate.
The common quest of the human spirit finds its fullest realization in the affirming, accepting love of God. “I care very little if I am judged by you . . indeed, I do not even judge myself . . it is the Lord who judges me.” Read 1 Corinthians 4:2-5 NIV. Leave your evaluation safely in God’s hands, with this confidence, “Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” Genesis 18:25 NIV.
I think any of us could admit to some conflicting mixture of motives in this regard. Everyone wants to be liked and desires others think well of them. Be careful. Be wise to the tyranny of others’ opinions, lest you acquire a need for their approval that is misdirecting. In politics, people in public office seem always to be worrying about “approval ratings.” Politically, they obsess over polls. There are endless opinion polls testing voters’ approval of political decisions and positions. In politics that may be unavoidable; in life that can be slavish.
There are times you cannot please men and God at the same time. When uncertain, please God. Whose opinion is most influential in what you do and why you do so? The approval of man is no easy achievement for the best of people, and can be fickle as well. Live with consideration and regard for others’ opinion, but live first and foremost for the Savior’s benediction, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Ultimately, only the Lord’s approval really matters.
My prayer for you today is that you live with a secure knowledge of God’s approval.