Whose Approval Are You Seeking?

Pause & Reflect

Paul asks a searching question: “Am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God?” Human approval is powerful. We want to be liked. Accepted. Understood. Praised. There is nothing inherently wrong with appreciating encouragement. The danger comes when approval becomes our master. People-pleasing can make us say yes when wisdom requires no. Stay silent when truth requires courage. Change convictions to preserve acceptance. Overwork because disappointing anyone feels unbearable. Godly freedom does not mean becoming insensitive to people. It means human opinion no longer possesses ultimate authority. Sometimes faithfulness will be applauded. Sometimes it will be misunderstood. You cannot build your life around preventing everyone from being disappointed with you. Ask instead: “Am I being faithful to God?”