Life is too short to be addicted to the approval of others.
Isn’t that true? I can see you nodding at your computer... so then why do we spend so much of our precious time looking for it? Why do people’s opinions matter so much?
I think it’s simple. Because it feels so good.
We like pats on the back, attaboys, to be on the coffee list, the smile of our boss, and the outstretched hand of the guy whose job we just saved through our hard work.
It feels good to be liked. It feels great to be loved. The best feeling? When we are recognized for something we’ve done in front of our peers... and a whole room erupts in cheering! THAT’S when we know we’ve done well... and we want that feeling again and again and again.
We become addicted to the approval of others.
Problem with this type of approval is that it’s impossible to maintain long term. People’s opinions shift... their moods change. We mess up... the approval fountain stops flowing. Someone’s having a bad day? We think less of ourselves because they don’t feel like giving out complements. The teacher is on a peak... things are good! In a valley? Pop quiz.
The approval of others is inconsistent and based on temporary feelings. It makes us feel great in the short term... but craving more in the long term.
Today, I want to give you another way of looking at your value. There is one opinion that matters and it’s that of God. After all, He is the one who created you with all of your gifts (and you have some)... He is the One who sent His Son here to pay for your sins... He is the One who knew of all the flaws and made you anyway.
Let’s take a look at what the God’s Word says about you:
You are a child of God (John 1:12)
Jesus Christ is your friend (John 15:15)
Jesus paid for your sin and you don’t have to. (Romans 3:24)
You are brand new in Christ (Romans 6:6)
You have been set free (Romans 8:2)
You are accepted by the King of Kings (Romans 15:7)
You are no longer a slave (Galatians 4:7)
You are free (Galatians 5:1)
God picked you special (Ephesians 1:7)
You are the best work God can do (Ephesians 2:10)
Your life was bought with a high price (John 3:16)
You are in the light not the darkness (Ephesians 5:8)
God is guarding your heart (Philippians 4:7)
You are complete (Colossians 2:10)
You are chosen (Colossians 3:12)
You are loved (1 Thessalonians 1:4)
Why constantly search for other’s opinion of you? God is quite clear in these passages. If you are a Christ follower... there’s only one opinion that truly matters...
I read the story of a young man who once studied violin under a world-renowned master. Eventually the time came for the student’s first recital. Following each selection, despite the cheers of the crowd, the performer seemed dissatisfied.
Even after the last number, with the shouts louder than ever, the talented violinist stood watching an old man in the balcony. Finally the elderly one smiled and nodded in approval. Immediately the young man relaxed and beamed with happiness.
You see, the man in the balcony was his teacher, and thus the applause of the crowd had meant nothing to him until he had first won the hearty approval of his master.
The crowd may cheer... it may not. The opinions of others may be positive... or they may not. Search the room you’re in. See those standing around you? They care about you... but not like God. Not like the true Master. Your Creator is confidently nodding in approval of you.
Even those times when you mess up and people reject you... God nods. Because you screwed up? No. Because He knows your heart... He knows His Son has paid for that sin... and God (who IS love) gets to give you a 17th chance at getting it right.
He delights in loving you. You have His approval. Not because you are perfect, but because you are His. You haven’t earned it... may not deserve it... but it’s there. You are wonderfully created...flawed by sin...but infinitely valuable.
Today, when you find yourself trying to win the approval of your peers... remember that your real value is eternal. You already have the stamp of approval from the One who loves you more than anyone else.
