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Saturday, January 12, 2013

Approval

It's funny how everything seems to revolve around approval. Humans are social creatures. We need others' approval to feel liked and wanted.

"I just love the dress you're wearing!"

"Why do you have to act so childish?"

"Wow, these look great! You're so talented!"

Comments like these lift us up and dash us down. They make us smile, cry, and go through a whole range of emotions. I love getting a nice comment on my hair or outfit, because it makes me feel likable. Especially on blogging, you want to know people are reading and liking your blog, your words. Can you relate?

Our pastor recently preached a sermon in Galatians. One of the verses was Galatians 1:10.

 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

Of course, in this verse Paul is talking about how the Galatians were deserting the Gospel, and telling them to get back to it. But still, this is a valuable verse for us. I'll bet Paul didn't care much if people liked him and his beliefs, in fact he got a lot of rejection and disapproval. He didn't care what people thought about him, but God. And that's how we should be. It's so hard, though, not to care what others think of you! 
Even so, we should be thinking about what God thinks of us. We should ask Him to help us not to care what others think. Instead of, "I wonder if everyone liked the outfit I had on?", we should ask, "I wonder how I can please God today?"

Your thoughts?

Grace be with you,

Abby :D



3 comments:

Kismint said...

Love it!

It's true. Getting a compliment is a really wonderful thing. But over time, I've realized that it can be even more wonderful giving them to people instead of getting them. Making people smile and feel happy on the inside is a blessing to you and to them.

Nice post. Wise words.

Eldarwen said...

Hi Abby! I can totally relate! I know that when I was younger I always wanted people's approval of me. If I didn't have it I felt like I didn't matter that much. What I never realized until I grew up was that I do matter and God loves me, that should be enough. I've always loved having friends, but one thing I've learned is Christ is the ultimate friend anyone could ever have. I should be more focused on what He thinks of me than what everyone else thinks. If Christ approves and one of my "friends" doesn't, I shouldn't be ashamed of that. (:
Thanks for sharing that!

God bless,
Eldarwen

Abby said...

Kismint~ That's definitely true. Thanks!

Eldarwen- That's true, too. I used to really feel like I need approval from my friends too. Thanks for commenting!