Accepted by Him

“Does this sound as if I am trying to win human approval? No indeed! What I want is God’s approval! Am I trying to be popular with people? If I were still trying to do so, I would not be a servant of Christ.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬

I recently finished reading Bob Sorge’s Dealing with the Rejection and Praise of Men. As the title implies, it is about how we often struggle with the fear of men’s rejection. We also struggle with seeking men’s approval. They are two sides of the same coin. He points to Jesus frequently separating from the crowd to seek God after significant times of ministry to a lot of people.

He shared the rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders, His followers, and His closest friends. Jesus also knew He could not rely on the praise of men. He could also not be swayed by their rejection. People are too fickle.

The same crowd that welcomed Him into Jerusalem crying ““Praise God! God bless him who comes in the name of the Lord! God bless the King of Israel!”” ‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭13‬ a week later we’re crying ““Crucify him! Crucify him!”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭21‬ Jesus instead went to the Father for approval and didn’t take personal the rejection of men.

We can not serve two masters. Looking for both God and man’s approval causes us to do just that. We have to want God’s approval more than man’s approval. Man may reject what God wants for and from us.

Men will praise us in the moment, we should be more inclined to want to hear “‘Well done, you good and faithful servant!’ ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25‬:‭21‬ eventually from the Lord. Instead of fearing man’s rejection, we should fear hearing God saying“‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you wicked people!’” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭21‬-‭23‬

This is another area that God has been deepening my revelation. I am generally not someone who seeks other people’s approval. However, I have realized I will often remain quiet instead of speaking up in a group for fear of rejection. In my field, I am often alone in my ideologies and beliefs. At other times, I battle imposter syndrome.

I realize if it is something I am highly passionate about, or very vested in, I will speak up. If it is something that I fell like I have “expert” knowledge in or am very secure in I will share. Otherwise, I remain silent even if I have something that could contribute.

I have learned not to ignore when God is prompting me to say something. It burns within me, even if it’s just a simple word, until I speak it out. However, I also have to realize that God has me where I am intentionally. He has equipped me and qualified me.

The work I do, what I contribute to the world around me, the influence and perspective are gifts God has placed within me. They should not be dependent on the accolades of men or the disapproval of men. They also are for His glory.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬ ‭

I don’t have to be the most popular, if I am approved by Him. And the acceptance of me is nothing if God is not pleased with what I am doing.

Lord, I look to You alone for approval. I do not work unto men, but for Your glory. When I am tempted to look to men, remind me I am Your servant.