The concept of seeking approval from God rather than striving to please men is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. This principle underscores the importance of prioritizing divine approval over human accolades, emphasizing a life lived in obedience to God's will.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul addresses this theme explicitly in his letter to the Galatians. In Galatians 1:10 , he writes, "Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Here, Paul contrasts the pursuit of human approval with the commitment to serve Christ, suggesting that the two are often mutually exclusive.

Similarly, in 1 Thessalonians 2:4 , Paul states, "Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts." This verse highlights the responsibility of believers to prioritize God's approval, as He is the one who truly knows and judges the intentions of the heart.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament also reflects this principle. In 1 Samuel 16:7 , the Lord tells Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart." This passage illustrates that God's criteria for approval are based on the heart's condition rather than external appearances or human standards.

Jesus' Teachings

Jesus Himself taught about the futility of seeking human approval. In the Sermon on the Mount, He warns against practicing righteousness before others to be seen by them, stating in Matthew 6:1 , "Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." This teaching emphasizes the importance of sincerity in one's relationship with God, rather than performing for the sake of human recognition.

Practical Implications

For believers, the call to seek God's approval over man's can manifest in various aspects of life, including moral decisions, lifestyle choices, and the proclamation of the gospel. It requires a steadfast commitment to biblical principles, even when they conflict with societal norms or expectations.

The pursuit of God's approval often involves enduring criticism or opposition from others. Jesus prepared His followers for this reality, as seen in John 15:18-19 : "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world."

Role of Faith

Faith plays a crucial role in seeking God's approval. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." This verse underscores that faith is foundational to a life that pleases God, as it involves trusting in His promises and His character.

Conclusion

The biblical call to seek God's approval rather than man's is a profound and challenging directive that requires believers to align their lives with God's will, often in the face of societal pressures. It is a call to live with integrity, faith, and a heart devoted to God, trusting that His approval is of eternal significance.