Looking for Approval by Patricia Tichonoff
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
I have read that life is 10% of what happens to us and 90% of how we react to it. For me, I am always seeking approval. I know this started when I was young, to please parents, friends, teachers and even strangers. We are told to behave, share, respect elders, etc. This is good and needs to happen, but for me, my top priority has been to please others. Now in the later part of my life, I am consciously looking for peace within myself.
For others to feel comfortable is important. Whether or not I am successful in this, I am not sure. I have that nagging feeling at times in what I could have done better. I carry “self-doubt” as baggage.
We all have trials, and we are told that our circumstances will teach us. We can grow from those experiences. I know I have made many mistakes along the way and sometimes I get a chance to have do-overs.
In my search for that inner peace, I found Galatians 1:10 which says, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?“ Wow, I paused on this because if I am honest with myself, I would say, I try to win the approval of others and God comes later. This is human nature for most of us. To please others makes us feel good, right? But am I pleasing God in my actions and words? Why is God second place in my thoughts?
I came across this verse in search of answers. He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6).
Being grateful that our God will continue His work in us until our time is finished on this earth gives us hope. We know that Jesus is always with us, helping us to live into our purpose each day. The only approval that we truly need is not what others think, but what Christ wants and desires for us.
Heavenly Father, You’re our greatest joy. Forgive us when we seek the world’s approval instead of Yours. When we keep our thoughts on You, it becomes easier to put You first. Amen.