Friday June 2, 2017
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
My husband and I have never been more miserable in our walk with Christ, in our marriage, and with life in general than when we were seeking people’s approval.
I have found myself doing certain things, saying certain things, or acting a certain way just so I can get others stamp of approval.
Up until just recently, I’ve wanted people to know my intentions, know my heart, think I’m worthy, called, and chosen. I have wanted to make them happy, proud, and live up to their standards.
Those aren’t all horrible things, but those things can be horrible when you walk through a season of deep discouragement when they seem unreached.
I found myself jumping through hoops to try and make some certain people happy, until I finally realized that no matter what I did it would never be enough.
If the approval of others is all we live for, it will never be enough. We will never feel like we are enough.
When we place the approval of other people ahead of doing what we know will please our Father, we’re creating a false idol.
The fear of God is the only cure for the fear of people.
When I learned to only focus on pleasing the God of the universe, people’s opinions no longer held me hostage.
Jesus is the ultimate cure for the disease to please.
We please God far less when we are focused on pleasing the people around us.
Today, remember that you already have received your stamp of approval from the Creator God.
Prayer: “God, thank you for the reminder that you are the only person I live for. Continue to remind me in my every day life that other’s opinions are not your opinion of me. Help me to strive to please you and only you. In your name I pray, Amen.”
-Whitney Flach
