I don’t know about ya’ll, but I thrive on approval. I relentlessly long for pats on the back….just ask my co-worker and friend ,Jennifer, I think she gets tired of me asking for them. I’m not sure if it’s because as a child, the only way I felt loved was when my parents praised me or if it is something we are born with. I’m sure when it gets right down to it, we all want to hear “Good Job” or “Way to Go” or just receive a literal pat on the back. Even as teachers, we know and see how a student’s face lights up when we tell them they’ve done it correctly and praise them for doing so. I’m sure it’s probably just me, but I’m just now getting to a point in my life where I realize not only am I not always going to receive that approval, but sometimes maybe I shouldn’t even look for it…..at least not from man.
Galatians 1:10 reminds us that we should seek God’s approval over man’s. In 1 Thessalonians 2:4b, we are encouraged to speak in such a way that pleases God regardless if it pleases man or not. Wow, that takes courage. Have you ever caught yourself wanting to say something about God, but then stopped because you were afraid you shouldn’t or something of the like? When these thoughts came to me over the week though, it wasn’t so much about that as it was a decision I made. I made a decision, a good decision, a decision I wanted for which I wanted to hear ‘WAY TO GO DEB!”, but instead the only person who saw it was God. How come it wasn’t enough for me to take pride and comfort in knowing Jesus was giving me a high 5? Well, I think it’s because my vision is limited at times. I lose sight of what or actually who I’m really trying to impress. John 6:27 tells us “Labor not for the meat which is destroyed, but for the meat which will last through eternity, which the Son of man shall give you for He has the approval of the Father.”
The people I work with and the student body at Anna High School hear me say every morning on the announcements, “Make Anna a better place; smile at someone today.” Well, how about today each of you look for someone to give a pat on the back to and tell them you appreciate what they are doing. BUT if you don’t get that pat on the back, know that God loves you, is watching over you and cheers for you all the time. He’s your number 1 fan, and approves of you and all the good things you do! He is going to give you the ultimate approval in the end….enter good and faithful servant.
FOR DISCUSSION: DO YOU FIND YOURSELF SEEKING THE APPROVAL OF OTHERS MORE THAN GOD'S APPROVAL?
