Approval Seeking

All of us like to be appreciated when we have acted wisely or done a good job.  The Bible tells us that after Jesus allowed John the Baptist to baptize Him, God spoke and said that He was well pleased with Jesus.  God is an encourager and is pleased with us when we choose to follow His principles in all our affairs. 

In the above scenario, Jesus did not seek His Father’s approval, it was freely given. Often when we have received no encouragement or appreciation for a wise decision we have made, or a task we have completed with much effort, we are offended that no one took the time to say, “well done”.  Because our efforts were not acknowledged, we felt the good we did was not valued, and rejection and self-pity flooded our thinking.

In the past we served our own selfish desires until our lives became unmanageable.  Now we are beginning to make wise decisions and we want others to notice.  We should not be discouraged when we feel the need for approval, instead we should look to the One who sees all things and tell Him what is going on within us.  God will comfort and strengthen us in our time of need, and we will grow stronger in the knowledge of His ways if we do not give up. 

He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. (Psalm 25:9, 5 ESV)

For a time, we acted totally in self-interest, now we are learning God’s ways, and in time, God’s approval will be enough.

Prayer:  Loving God, Help me to appreciate what others do as they minister in Your name, and let my heart be satisfied with Your approval of what I do, knowing that You are pleased with me. Amen

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