Sunday, July 8, 2012

Popular Approval


"Let us look for the beaming smile of our Master's approval!"



Sometimes you just can't help resist running with the crowd. There lies in most of us a desire to impress and compare ourselves to others. Thankfully the dearest friends we have accept us for who we are, but how about the need to impress those we work for; what we've accomplished and the rewards we will get? Or how about in regards to our own passions and desires; do we believe we need the approval of man to fulfill our dreams and desires? Do we thirst for and crave the riches, fame, and even the beauty of others? Until we can truly accept and value ourselves, we will continue to look to others for our sense of value and approval.


Galatians 6:4-5 clearly instructs us:

"Be sure to do what you should, for then you will enjoy the personal satisfaction of having done your work well, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct."

We need to accept; with child-like faith, that we are loved simply because we exist and know that God’s view of us is so much more important than the world’s view of us. Being prettier, smarter, stronger, or more successful does not guarantee happiness, and isn't true happiness what we all strive for? I believe that everyone searches for popular approval and true happiness, but we are not looking in the right place! God designed us as unique individuals, and I'm pretty sure it doesn't please Him when other's opinions matter more to us than His! It is His opinion that matters most.

"Whatever we are doing let us not be looking for man's approval, but let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus."



Our appearance or “stuff” in life doesn’t reveal what we are really like inside, or what our true value is. God never asks us to compare ourselves to others; He desires us to place our uniqueness and integrity entirely in Him. He doesn't judge by appearances or riches, but rather by our faith and character.


"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (l Samuel 16:7)


Don't wait for someone else's approval; do what God wired you to do! And when you do your very best, you'll feel good about the results. God has a calling on our lives and we are responsible for fulfilling that call. We don't need anyone's approval or reassurance to do what God calls us to do. We are His chosen individuals with a whole lot of distinctive gifts and talents that God wants us to share and use for His benefit and on behalf of Him. When we follow through and act according to His will, then we'll be popular with God, and He'll approve! 


"Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master serving is Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24 Message)

8 comments:

  1. Hi Denise - I love this post. I love how you say we should do what God wired us to do and in doing so, we have peace because it feels 'right' God bless my friend, tons of hugs ((((((((((((((Denise))))))))))))))
    Tracy

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  2. How true are these words! I love the quote badges and oh, if only these truths were realized in our youth, how different some of our choices would be! Thank-you for reminding me of who I am through Him and because of Him.

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  3. Good Morning Denise and before I comment I want to say welcome back home I pray you had a great vacation...Missed seeing you online...

    Now to your post I love your message you have here and you know I love using the message bible because it speaks just like we would speak today....Begin each day with thinking our Father for Who He IS>>>AMEN

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  4. So thankful that I already have the approval of God because of Jesus. His grace is amazing! It can be so easy to compare ourselves with others. But we are each gifted in different ways. I pray that we can all appreciate one another's gifts.

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

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  5. Denise,
    Your posts always bring a smile as they are written with so much grace and transparency. Your love for God and others really shines through. I needed this sweet reminder today to keep my eyes on my Savior.
    Hugs to you my sweet friend,
    Susan

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  6. Sister, Psalm 121:1-2 are verses I rely on ALOT!!! In those moments when I am "down" in my faith, questioning through the uncertainty, I awake my soul with Psalm 121. It's like "Hey! What are you doing??? YOUR HELP COMES FROM ALMIGHTY GOD!!!" And then I think, "Oh, yeah, how in the world did I forget that!!??!!"

    Sister, you are such a blessing! Praying your week is abundantly blessed!
    Love, hugs, and prayers!
    Cherie

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  7. Thank you for your grounded truth in God's word. God does not promise us good things, only His goodness in all things. Truth spoken here, today!

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  8. hi friend how are you ?

    im visiting all my blog friends to notify im at wordpress i had to setting up for 3 times a blog and the cliches keep coming...so right now im at wordpress

    its better...for me...i havent forgot about you this post is for everyone...this is my new link

    http://thelifeofachristianlady.wordpress.com/

    you only have to link it at people you follow and automatically my posts will show up with your other friends

    so you can read and comment if you wish without to open a account on wordpress...hope you understood...thank you if you do...

    will love to hear from you.
    .God bless you

    soraya

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