APPROVAL

We’d discover that the only approval we need is God’s. How many of us try to win others’ approval? Perhaps we dress in the popular fashion, use language that really isn’t appropriate, or even compromise our integrity to be in the “in crowd,” get a good grade, get a promotion, or win an account. 

What if, instead of doing things to please others, we do things to please God? What if we take to heart the passage from 2 Timothy?

• “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him…” (NRSV).
• “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God…” (NASB).
• “Concentrate on doing your best for God…” (The Message).
• “For yourself, concentrate on winning God’s approval…” (Phillips).
• “Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial)…” (AMP).

This sure would make life easier. We wouldn’t have to worry about others’ opinions, which change quickly. Polls show us how temporary approval ratings are. People are changeable; God is changeless. 

Nothing is more lasting, more satisfying, and more rewarding than God’s approval. And you know what? We already have it! God is very pleased with His creation: “God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good” (Gen 1:31 NRSV). God always sees us as His beloved children. Knowing that God’s stamp of approval is already on us helps us make choices that reflect the good God already sees in us. When we concentrate on God, we are able to know what God approves. 

If we’re ever wondering or confused about what God approves, we can get quiet and ask ourselves, “Would this thought, word, or behavior be acceptable to God? What would God want me to do?” We can trust that we’ll get our answer. But we have to be willing to change our thoughts and actions if we get a “no” answer. We have to have the courage to do only those things that are approved by God. We know God wants to bless us. So if the action doesn’t bless, then it won’t have God’s approval. Acting with God’s approval keeps us safe and satisfied; it makes us truly happy.