Finding Freedom in JesusSample

Freedom from seeking people’s approval

We humans tend to be affected by the opinions of other people. If others disrespect or ridicule us, we feel deeply hurt and become unsure about ourselves. Some people long so badly for the approval of others that they adjust their behavior to their fellow humans, even when this goes against their own preferences or against God’s commandments.

In Matthew 6, Jesus addresses this issue. In his day, the religious elite made a public show of their “godliness”. When they gave to the needy, they made a public announcement about their generosity. When they prayed, they made sure that other people saw and heard them. Jesus condemns their behavior as hypocritical and therefore worthless for God.

Jesus says we should not seek people’s approval in the first place, but God’s. Even when others don’t notice our good deeds, “your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:4,6). And that’s all we really need. For ultimately, only God’s opinion about us really matters! He wants to adopt us into His family and make us into “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9). He loves us so deeply that He gave his only Son to save us.

Do you base your identity on people’s opinion or on God’s?