The desire for approval is a fundamental aspect of human nature, reflecting the innate longing for acceptance, validation, and affirmation from others. This desire can be seen throughout the Bible, where individuals seek approval from God, their peers, and society. While the desire for approval can motivate righteous behavior and foster community, it can also lead to compromise and sin when it supersedes the desire to please God.

Biblical Examples and Teachings

1. Approval from God: The Bible emphasizes the importance of seeking God's approval above all else. 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 tension between seeking human approval and divine approval, urging believers to prioritize their relationship with God.

2. Jesus' Teachings: Jesus addressed the desire for approval in His teachings, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 6:1, He warns, "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." Here, Jesus cautions against performing good deeds for the sake of human recognition, emphasizing that true righteousness seeks God's approval.

3. Pharisees and Hypocrisy: The Pharisees are often depicted as seeking approval from others through outward displays of piety. In Matthew 23:5, Jesus criticizes them, saying, "All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels." This behavior exemplifies the danger of valuing human approval over genuine devotion to God.

4. Peer Pressure and Compromise: The desire for approval can lead to moral compromise, as seen in the account of King Saul. In 1 Samuel 15:24, Saul admits to Samuel, "I have sinned; I have transgressed the LORD’s commandment and your instructions, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice." Saul's fear of losing the people's approval led him to disobey God, illustrating the potential consequences of prioritizing human approval.

5. Encouragement and Community: While the desire for approval can lead to negative outcomes, it can also foster positive community dynamics. In Hebrews 10:24-25, believers are encouraged to "spur one another on to love and good deeds" and to "encourage one another." Here, the desire for approval within a community is harnessed to promote mutual edification and spiritual growth.

6. Paul's Example: The Apostle Paul serves as a model for balancing the desire for approval with faithfulness to God. In 1 Thessalonians 2:4, he states, "We speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts." Paul's focus on divine approval allowed him to remain steadfast in his mission despite opposition and criticism.

Theological Implications

The desire for approval is intricately linked to the human condition and the call to live a life pleasing to God. It challenges believers to examine their motivations and align their desires with God's will. The Bible consistently teaches that while human approval can be fleeting and deceptive, God's approval is eternal and rooted in truth. Believers are called to seek God's approval through faith, obedience, and love, trusting that His affirmation is the ultimate reward.