Finding True Approval: Seeking God's Acceptance Over Others'

Whose Approval Do You Crave?

Do you ever feel like you’re seeking approval from everyone but God? Our constant need for validation and praise from others is nothing new. It’s been a part of human nature since the beginning of time.

Adam and Eve, for example, sought the approval of each other and the serpent over the approval of God. They ate from the forbidden tree because they wanted to be like God, not because they trusted in his goodness and wisdom.

Today, seeking approval from others is easier than ever. Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok provide instant gratification through likes, comments, and shares. We post pictures, videos, and updates about our lives in hopes of receiving positive feedback from our followers.

But seeking approval from others is a dangerous game. It’s a never-ending cycle of trying to please everyone, and it can lead to anxiety, depression, and a distorted sense of self-worth.

The Root of Our Approval Seeking

At the root of our approval seeking is our desire for love and acceptance. We were created to be in relationship with God and with others. When sin entered the world, it fractured our relationships and distorted our view of ourselves and others.

Instead of finding our identity in Christ, we look to the world for validation. We seek approval from our friends, family, coworkers, and even strangers. We want to be liked, admired, and respected by others.

The problem with seeking approval from others is that it’s never enough. We may receive praise and recognition from people, but it doesn’t satisfy our deepest longings for love and acceptance. Only God can fill that void in our hearts.

What the Bible Says About Seeking Approval

The Bible has a lot to say about seeking approval from others. Here are a few verses to consider:

• 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.”


• John 12:43: “For they loved human praise more than praise from God.”


• Proverbs 29:25: “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”


• Colossians 3:23-24: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”


• 1 Thessalonians 2:4: “On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.”

These verses remind us that seeking approval from others is a trap. It can lead us away from God and his purposes for our lives. Instead, we are called to seek God’s approval above all else.

How to Seek God’s Approval

So, how do we seek God’s approval instead of the approval of others? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Spend time in prayer and Bible study. The more we know God and his character, the more we will desire his approval above all else.


2. Surround yourself with godly friends. Seek out relationships with people who will encourage you in your faith and point you towards Christ.


3. Find your identity in Christ. Remember that your worth and value come from being a child of God, not from what others think of you.


4. Use your gifts and talents for God’s glory. Instead of seeking recognition for yourself, use your abilities to serve others and bring glory to God.

Ultimately, seeking God’s approval is about surrendering our desires and will to him. It’s about acknowledging that he is the source of all love, acceptance, and approval. When we seek his approval above all else, we will find the true fulfillment and satisfaction that we crave.

Conclusion

Seeking approval from others is a common struggle, but it doesn’t have to be our reality. As we seek to live for God, we can find the approval and acceptance that we crave in him alone.

Remember, seeking God’s approval is not about earning his love or favor. We already have that through Christ. Instead, seeking God’s approval is about living in a way that honors him and brings glory to his name.

So, whose approval do you crave? May we seek to live for God’s approval above all else, trusting in his love and grace to guide us on this journey of faith.