People will always put you in categories—too religious or too secular. It’s a game you can’t win, because the rules change depending on who’s judging.
The trap is chasing approval. But Scripture is clear:
“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” — Galatians 1:10 (ESV)
When we stop competing for applause, we can start building what matters. Jesus said,
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” — Matthew 7:24 (ESV)
The truth is this: many people demanding perfection from others aren’t even building themselves. They stand on cracked foundations while pointing out cracks in yours.
The shift comes when you focus not on pleasing others, but on growing. Scripture calls us to it:
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” — 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV)
That’s the scoreboard that matters—growth, maturity, living the life God planted in you.
Stop chasing approval. Start building truth. Growth is the only applause that matters.
