Seeking the Wrong Approval

Galatians 1:10

Everyone likes to be liked.

It feels nice to be accepted and to know that other people value you.

But sometimes we face the temptation of fearing man, and we can go to great lengths to get the validation we think we need.

We may want to appear impressive, or we may want to simply blend in.

At its core, people-pleasing seeks to get approval and acceptance in immediate, tangible ways from the people in front of us rather than from God.

In Galatians, Paul addresses some of the Jewish Christians who were preaching the old ways of the Mosaic law that no longer applied under the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul rebukes those who are preaching this message contrary to the true Gospel.

Paul was not looking for the approval of the Galatians. He says “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10 ESV).

Seeking the wrong kind of approval reveals the condition of our hearts. Paul makes it clear that we cannot seek both the approval of man and the approval of God. We see this throughout Scripture; Jesus says “no one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24 ESV). Our hearts will worship, fear, and love one thing.

At the root of people-pleasing is the pursuit of pleasing ourselves.

We are not acting in love towards others when we are after our own gain, whether that be acceptance or praise.

And most of all, this striving for approval from man will leave us weary, empty, and unsatisfied.

Friend, does your heart long for approval? Are you seeking it in the wrong place?

The good news is that the approval you are searching for is not out of reach. In fact, it has already been sealed.

Our freedom comes in remembering Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins. In the utmost display of love, Jesus died and rose so that we may stand approved before the throne of God forever. There is nothing left to be earned or paid.

Let us thank God for His forgiveness and grace, and may we rest in the approval that is already ours in Christ.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you that in Christ I stand approved before you. Help me to trust and rest in Your perfect love above all else.