From Acceptance to Approval: Living a Life That Pleases the Fatherಮಾದರಿ

THE TRAP OF SEEKING HUMAN APPROVAL

One of the most subtle and dangerous hindrances to growing beyond acceptance into divine approval is the desire for human approval. Galatians 1:10 (KJV) asks pointedly, "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." Similarly, Jesus warned in John 5:44 (KJV), "How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?" Living for the applause of men is a sure path to compromise and spiritual stagnation.

Beloved, you must choose whose approval you desire most — God’s or man’s. The temptation to modify the truth, to tone down righteousness, or to hide your light just to fit in will always be present. But every time you yield to it, you move further away from the life that pleases the Father. Human approval is fickle; what is celebrated today may be rejected tomorrow. Divine approval, however, is eternal and leads to everlasting rewards. Sons and daughters who please the Father live with heaven's applause as their highest ambition, not earthly fame or validation.

I want you to learn that pleasing God may often cost you the acceptance of men. You must be willing to walk alone if necessary, to speak truth in love even when it is unpopular, and to stay faithful even when misunderstood. Let this devotional be a time when you renew your loyalty to God above all. Seek His honour, value His commendation, and live in a way that brings Him pleasure, whether the world claps for you or not. True greatness lies not in being famous before men, but in being faithful before the Father.

THOUGHT TO PONDER: Are you making decisions based on seeking God's approval or man’s applause? How can you strengthen your focus on living for the honour that comes from the Father alone?

PRAYER: Dear Father, deliver me from the snare of seeking human approval. Help me to set my heart firmly on pleasing You. Teach me to value Your honour more than the applause of men. May my life be a testimony of unwavering loyalty to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.