Approved

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

Once again, God’s Word is like a mirror to my corrupt heart. I read this morning, 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).

I confess that I have a strong desire for the approval of others…not the on-stage, presented-with-applause-and-flowers-kind of approval, but just for the well-thinking of others toward me. The Bible tells me to do my best to present myself to God for HIS approval.

There’s something in the culture of southern women that has taught us to be polite and not create a scene. I’m not advocating rudeness or being a spectacle…but in our efforts to avoid such, we often cater to and condone choices of others by our silence, participation or our continued presence. In reality, God put us here to be salt and light, to speak truth and live it out in this culture. As Paul writes, we do not need to be ashamed of what God has called us to. We should be teaching the Word of Truth through our lives: our words, our choices, our agendas. Am I doing that?

When someone (Why is it always another woman?) is critical of how I raise my children, my choice of church, my marriage, my ethics, etc…do I make excuses, or do I rightly speak truth of why I do what I do as directed by God’s Word? This is a hard thing for a southern woman…at least this one. I want to be agreeable with everyone. But my sights must be set higher. I want to present myself to God for approval…as a worker...someone who is actively, with purpose and intention, pursuing His glory and not my own.

Lord, I seek your approval and none other.

Jill Hardin