We are all creatures that need approval. We may have different tolerances for rejection but at some point, we all need approval and validation. The question we need to ask ourselves is, “Whose approval am I seeking?” If I am seeking God’s approval, then I am setting myself up for a healthy relationship with Him.
If I am seeking God’s approval in my life, then there are certain things that I am doing. I am putting the kingdom first. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:33). I am trying to live according to His righteousness. (Rom. 10:3). I am also seeking those things that are above. “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth” (Col. 3:1-2). I am thinking on those higher moral things to keep myself oriented on that which God thinks about. “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything is worthy of praise, dwell on these things” (Phil. 4:8). I need to be aware that my life should be pleasing to Him and not myself. Those things don’t have to be opposite, but it needs to be intentional. “Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him” (2 Cor. 5:9).
Why would I put God’s approval ahead of the approval of mankind? Not only because He is my creator, but there are several other reasons. God has my best interest at heart. “The Lord… is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9). He has been proven faithful. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Heb. 10:23). He has shown us His loving kindness (Eph. 2:7). He has forgiven us. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). HE has given us grace, “not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity” (2 Tim. 1:9). He has promised us a reward that only He can deliver. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Pet. 1:3-4). Let us look to God for approval on the things that would bring glory to Him and a blessing to our lives. If our lives are searching for God’s approval, we will be rewarded.