Do we see ourselves as one approved? De we seek the approval of men? Do we seek the approval of our God?
Everyone wants to be liked, but we don’t need man’s approval to do the things God has asked us to do. Many are still striving to win approval from men or to reach a higher status.
Can I say, you are approved by God? He loves you, just the way you are in all of your imperfections and shortcomings. Yet, He doesn’t want us to stay in that place. Nor does He want us to be in that place of needing approval from man. The older I get, the more I realize that we will never please everyone in life.
Paul was telling the church in Thessalonica that he and his team were “Men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.” (1 Thessalonians 2: 4)
As a believer, within us is a trust fund that is worth more than any dollar amount we would desire. God has entrusted us with His Word and with the gospel.
- You have been given a trust fund, which qualifies us as rich.
- How are we investing it?
Are we investing it in other people or are we hoarding it all for ourselves?
Paul lets the church know, “You are witnesses…Encourage, comfort and urge ones to live lives worthy of God who calls us into His kingdom and glory.” (1 Thessalonians 2: 12)
- You are chosen and called.
- Invest wisely.
- The reward is of great return, it’s out of this world.
(Shared from 1 Thessalonians 2: 1-16, Modified)
He Holds Our Future
I used to think when we are approved by God, we are always approved by men. I think differently now. If our life reflects Him, others will be drawn to Him, through our actions. His love is contagious! For those who are bound and not interested in God, yet, it will be irritating and/or annoying.
He holds our future, just like He held Israel’s. He has promised, “The Lord will have compassion on Jacob; once again He will choose Israel and will settle them in their own land.” (Isaiah 14: 1)
- God settles the unsettled.
Here’s what His approval does. It leads us to Him, only Him. “In love a throne will be established in faithfulness a man will sit on it–one from the house of David–one who is judging seeks justice and speaks the case of righteousness.” (Isaiah 16: 5)
- That One, the beautiful One, is Jesus.
When we walk in His love and faithfulness, we receive the approval of men as an added bonus. It’s not a goal to seek man’s approval first anymore. I’ve been set free from man’s expectation.
(Shared from Isaiah 14-16, Modified)
He Approves Those Whom Have Been Disapproved By Men
If you’ve walked a lonely road, not living on a high and mighty plain, as His follower, He will raise you up. Here’s how much He approves:
“He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; He seats them with princes of their people.” (Psalm 113: 7-8)
- We don’t need to be exalted by men.
- God repositions us with princes.
Whatever economic status we are in, our God reaches down and pulls us up to Him. You’ve been approved!
“Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.” (John 6: 27)
- We have something in Christ not to be achieved, but to be received.
- Our faith IN Christ qualifies and approves us.
(Shared from Psalm 113, Modified)
UNBROKEN LOVE SERIES
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