APPROVAL
June 4, 2020
Dearest Lord, Thank You for leading us safely through this year. Please give us Your strength and perspective as we are working with all our might toward the finish line. Amen.
Scripture: “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 NIV
Madison showed her excitement about the performance along with the other children as they waited to enter the auditorium. Parents and grandparents lined the room for this last program of the year. I had decided that the children would enter singing one of their songs. However, within seconds of our entrance into the room, the song could not be heard because Madison drowned it out with her loud crying! Her teacher came and rescued the performance by whisking Madison away to be comforted. After the performance, her teacher told me that Madison was upset because when she entered the room, her mother wasn’t there and this was obviously all that truly mattered to Madison.
I have to admit that whether I consider public performances, or daily lessons, I want approval from certain people, too: my peers, my supervisors, parents of my students, my family. I need to take stock every once in a while to see just how much I want God’s approval, as well. I need to ask whether His approval is my first consideration. I need to ask if He would be pleased with the motives and intentions of my heart. I need to remember that I work for Him, not for my own selfish desires.
Many times when we genuinely seek God’s approval on our work He reveals that approval through other people. Even Jesus was known to have favor with God and man. We know that Jesus always tried to please the Father, and we need to follow in His path. Whether we receive the approval we would like from people, we first need to seek God’s favor, praying that He will be glorified. He will show us His approval in His own way and time, if we leave our need for approval in His hands.
Copyright Shirley Wilson. Email [email protected]