Devotional Thought
Paul asked the question plainly: “Am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10). You can’t serve two masters—people’s applause or God’s calling.
Jesus confronted religious leaders who looked good on the outside but were spiritually hollow (Matthew 23:27–28). Their standard was about image; God’s standard is about truth. In John 12:42–43, some leaders secretly believed in Jesus but kept quiet, afraid to lose their synagogue status. They loved human praise more than God’s.
The apostles set the tone in Acts 5:29 when told to stop preaching: “We must obey God rather than men.” That’s the bottom line. Approval rooted in man’s systems will keep you chained to performance. Approval rooted in God’s grace will keep you free to live in truth.
If man’s approval props you up, man’s disapproval can crush you. But if God’s approval roots you, nothing can move you.
Refocused Moment 💡
Creators and entrepreneurs: Don’t build for applause—build from conviction. Applause fades, but conviction lasts.
