Seeking God’s Approval

“Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.”

Some people seem to get their strength from people. They are up when those around them say they’re great. They’re down when those around them say things against them. They get their measure of themselves from others who are around them, rather than from the God who created them and shaped them for his purpose.

Who is it we seek to please? The ones who are around us for a little while, who provide flattery and praise, or who turn disapproving looks and sneers into rejection? Their time, as our time, is but a glimmer in the light of a candle. But, our time in eternity will make those moments almost nothing.

So, who do you serve? Man or master? The God of the universe or his creation? To hear the applause of men or the soft and gentle voice of the Father?

“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” Matthew 6:24.

But money isn’t always the other opposition as Jesus said in John 12:43. Sometimes it’s the desire to hear the approval of men. Sometimes it’s the longing to have acclaim, to hear the shouts of “how good you are,” “how smart you are,” “how brave you are.”

In the face of opposition, true courage and character are revealed. Without resistance, muscle isn’t needed. In fact, in weightlessness, muscle atrophies because it isn’t used. It only gets used and grows when the body faces resistance.

So it is with character and faith. When the shouts are against us, will we stand true to the cross? In the face of persecution and even death, did the apostles remain true to their calling and to the Lord they served?

Did you hear God’s calling to you? Is that how you entered the ministry? Was it unmistakable? Is the one who is in you greater than he who is in the world?

Then listen for the voice of the one who called you. Pay sincere attention to his words, his whispers, his direction. Be in love with his Word and meditate on it. For he is the true compass, his way is The Way.

Those people around you who would proclaim this or that are simply voices of mortals, equal in humanity, equally sinners, whether redeemed or lost. Their shallow cries are based on pride, or jealousy, or ego, or desire, or mimicry. But trusting in God and leaning not on your own understanding, by acknowledging him in everything you do, he will make your paths straight.

To end this brief life with the reflection looking back of straight paths leading directly to the one we love, the author and finisher of our faith, the reason we believe, the hope of today and forever, this would be the greatest joy. To see that our life here meant something, that it pointed to the eternal God, that we were a marker, a sign in life proclaiming the greatness of God – that is why we are here.

May I always pay more attention to the words of my Creator, Lord and Savior, and less to those who cannot create anything but words.

And may God use me as a marker, a signpost, pointing to him.