SEEK THE APPROVAL OF GOD

"I receive not honour from men" (John 5:41). 

One of the things I love most about the Lord Jesus Christ is that while He walked the earth, He never sought after the approval of man. He never did anything to obtain the honour or applause of men. Although He was a man of continuous miracles, signs and wonders, Jesus never played to the gallery. A free translation of our verse for today says, "I am not wanting people to say great things about me. If people say great things about me, that is not important to me" (John 5:41, Easy English). 

Human beings are very difficult to please. Striving to gain the approval of man can weary you out completely. You can imagine what people subject themselves to in order to gain approval and applause among men. There will be no space to talk about the lies that people tell, the superfluous grandstanding they display, the injustices they perpetrate, the crimes they commit, and the demonic associations they involve themselves in, just to earn the praise of mortals which, at its best, is often temporary. 

Jesus Christ taught that we should avoid such needless travails and concentrate on securing the honour that comes from God. This is because at the end of the day, it is only the approval of God that will matter. What if all my friends see me as a wonderful individual? What if the Pope acknowledges me as an upright man? What if the archbishop says I'm the holiest man he knows on the surface of the earth? Would those commendations guarantee me a place in heaven? Would those accolades from the lips of men earn me a positive rating with the almighty God? Certainly not. 

Strive to get the approval of God. The positive ratings of men may grant you a place of honour in the kingdom of mortals. But that will only be for as long as that human kingdom endures. It will also be for as long as they don't find another man to rate higher than you. No matter how well men may praise you, they are sure to change the music once they see another person that fascinates or entertains them more than you do. Such is life and such are human beings. 

However, the approval of God would be more enduring and satisfying, affording real peace of mind. It will earn you favour, not only with God but also among men. When God honours you, no one can successfully dishonour you. When God honours you and approves of you, you will become precious in His sight and He will jealously guard you as the apple of His eyes. So again, I say to you, go for God's approval. Seek to please Him and He will make you pleasing and pleasant to the rest of mankind.