Are You Seeking Approval from God or Man - May 16, 2025

Scripture:
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
— Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

Devotional:
Let’s be honest: we all want to be seen. We want the family’s applause. The social media affirmations.
To be affirmed. To be liked.
To know our choices, our actions, our efforts matter to someone.

And there’s nothing wrong with wanting encouragement — but the danger comes when the approval of others becomes the anchor of our identity.

If you’re not careful, you’ll start living for the crowd.
You’ll base your worth on feedback, likes, affirmations, or recognition.
And before long, you’ll find yourself asking: “Did I do this for God… or for them?”

Galatians 1:10 pulls no punches.
Paul makes it clear: You can’t serve two approvals.
You’ll either live for God — or for people.
But you won’t find peace trying to do both.

God’s approval is steady, eternal, and rooted in love.
He sees behind the scenes.
He knows your motives, your effort, your sacrifice — even when no one else does.
And He’s not looking for perfection — He’s looking for obedience.

Sometimes pleasing God means disappointing people.
Sometimes it means walking alone.
But it always means walking in purpose.

Reflection/Challenge:
Ask yourself today:

“Would I still be okay if no one noticed — as long as God approved?”

Would I still walk in integrity if no one praised me for it?
Would I still trust God if the results didn’t impress the crowd?

Choose God’s approval over man’s attention.
It lasts longer. It weighs more. And it sets you free.

Prayer:
Father God In the Name of Jesus. Help me to release the need to be validated by people.
I want Your approval more than applause.
I want to be who You’ve called me to be, not just who others expect me to become.
Free me from performance.
Break the addiction to people-pleasing.
And remind me that I’m already chosen, already loved, and already approved — because of Jesus.
Let me move with quiet confidence, even when the room is silent.
Let me know that Your smile is enough.

In Jesus’ name,