DO WE SEEK THE
APPROVAL OF MEN OR THE APPROVAL OF GOD?
Most of the people I meet are
very concerned about the opinions which other people have about them. They want
to impress men with their religious zeal and devotion. And most of their deeds
of religious service, dress codes, and restrictions of life are designed to
impress men. They went the approval of men. They think that it they can win the
approval of men they will have the approval of God. But our Lord tells us most
plainly that it is not so: "For that which is highly esteemed among men is
abomination in the sight of God" (Luke
Do not misunderstand me. It is important for
believers to be blameless in their behavior before men. "Let your light so
shine before men, that they may see your seed works; and glorify your Father
which is in heaven" (Matt. 5:16). But we must not be motivated by a desire
to impress men and win their approval. Neither can we allow the customs and
traditions of self-righteous religionists to govern our lives, bringing us into
their bondage (Gal. 5:1; Col. 2:16-23). I want to honor God, my blessed Father,
in my life. I want to honor him in thought, in word, and in deed continually, I want to faithfully
represent my Savior before men. And I want to live in a manner that will adorn
the gospel of Christ. The way to do this, I am convinced, is to walk before God
and men in love, honesty, integrity, and faithfulness in all things, both
earthly and spiritual (Col. 3:1-31 Tit. 2:5-14). But I am not nearly so much
interested in men and women seeing Jesus in me as I am in knowing that almighty
God sees me in Jesus. My heart's concern is not that I may win man's approval,
but rather that I may have God's approval. And God's approval is won only by
faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. God approves of his Son and approves of all who
are in his Son (Phil. 3:8-10).