I seek approval in so many ways: in likes, shares, comments; in how often I’m asked to lunch; in whether the jeans fit and are in style. Oh, so many ways.
But here is what I know: I must lift my head from the screen and the schedule and the scale and turn to look at my Jesus, who never tires of lavishing me with love, which is far more valuable than a blue-thumbed like.
I know that my heart is wired to crave approval, but the problem comes when I try to satisfy this craving with cheaper versions, like a full social calendar, number of attendees at my event, how many views on a page, metrics of sales, awards earned. My craving is for what is eternally, divinely satisfying: the love of my Jesus, the understanding that when He sees me I am without fault and clothed in righteousness.
And I know this too: That while Jesus will meet me wherever I am, however desperate I am, I too play a part. I must take the initiative to look up, to ask to be reminded of His approval, and then to accept it.
To read more about our need for approval, read here:
- How do I know if I’m doing enough?
- What every Achiever should ask herself
- To those who want to stop striving, but don’t know how
This is something I needed to hear! I constantly am battling this need for approval too, especially with the blog and social media. Thanks for the reminder!
Hannah, yes! It can be a daily (or hourly) need to remind ourselves that God lavishes His love and approval on us! – jill