Deep inside, I long for approval. I try to please those around me and desire affirmation. I want to know I am doing a good job and fulfilling a great purpose. I want to be valued and appreciated. At first mention, this might sound like a good thing…maybe even noble. But these desires have a dangerous side that, if left to wander, could lead down a path of disappointment and pain.
A traveling evangelist put this in the proper perspective yesterday in his message about living our lives for an audience of one. The desire to be appreciated and valued is built into the fabric of our being. But it’s easy to look for affirmation in good people and miss the ONE who truly matters. If I live my life daily, caring most about God’s approval, my interactions with others will be affected in the best way possible. My main focus must be on the One I am serving, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24 sums this point up beautifully:
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ”
With this perspective, I will have a greater boldness to speak the truth, a greater love to serve others, and a greater clarity in utilizing the gift of time I have been given.
But do you want to know what’s beautiful about this? The truth is, I already have value, I am already affirmed, and I have great purpose by simply being God’s child and having access to all He is! There is so much more I could say here. But for now, know this:
“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ” – Romans 8:16-17
Be Encouraged.
Chad
