The concept of seeking God's approval over man's is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing divine favor over human recognition. This principle is rooted in the understanding that God's judgment is eternal and perfect, while human judgment is temporal and flawed.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently teaches that God's approval is of utmost importance. In Galatians 1:10, the Apostle Paul 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" . This verse highlights the incompatibility of seeking to please both God and man, underscoring the necessity of prioritizing God's approval.

In the Old Testament, the prophet Samuel was instructed by God to anoint David as king, despite his brothers' more kingly appearances. God reminded Samuel, "The LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). This passage illustrates that God's criteria for approval are based on the heart and character, rather than external appearances or human standards.

Examples of Seeking God's Approval

1. Noah: In a world filled with corruption, Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8). His obedience to God's command to build the ark, despite the ridicule of others, exemplifies a life lived for God's approval.

2. Daniel: Daniel's refusal to defile himself with the king's food (Daniel 1:8) and his unwavering commitment to prayer, even when it led to the lion's den (Daniel 6:10), demonstrate his prioritization of God's approval over the decrees of men.

3. The Apostles: In Acts 5:29, Peter and the other apostles boldly declared, "We must obey God rather than men" , when faced with persecution for preaching the gospel. Their actions reflect a commitment to divine approval, even at the cost of their own safety.

Teachings of Jesus

Jesus Christ, in His teachings, emphasized the importance of seeking God's approval. In the Sermon on the Mount, He warned against practicing righteousness before others to be seen by them, stating, "Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:4). This teaching encourages believers to focus on God's recognition rather than human accolades.

Furthermore, Jesus taught that the pursuit of human approval can lead to spiritual compromise. In John 12:43, He criticized those who "loved the praise of men more than the praise of God" , highlighting the danger of valuing human approval over divine commendation.

Practical Implications

For believers, seeking God's approval involves aligning one's life with His will and commands, as revealed in Scripture. It requires a heart posture of humility, obedience, and faithfulness, often in contrast to societal norms and expectations. This pursuit may lead to persecution or misunderstanding, but it promises eternal rewards and a deeper relationship with God.

The call to seek God's approval over man's is a call to live a life of integrity, where one's actions are guided by a desire to honor God above all else. It is a reminder that true fulfillment and purpose are found not in the fleeting approval of people, but in the eternal approval of the Creator.