Seek God’s Approval Before Man’s!

Feb 3, 2015Daily Inspiration

Seek God’s Approval Before Man’s!
Gods Approval
2 Timothy 2:14-26
Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and idle babbling, for they will increase to more ungodliness. And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master,prepared for every good work. Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

Human beings tend to associate themselves with people or situations they perceive will give them status or esteem in the eyes of others. Whether it’s with military service, ministry, sports, an historical event (9-11), a traumatic event, etc… We tend to seek the approval of those around us by letting others know that we are, or have been, near something or someone relevant in this world. “I was an Army Ranger who served four tours overseas in Afghanistan and Iraq.” That was years ago! I am no longer that person, and that time has past. Though noble and honorable it may be, it is not the thing I want to define me as a person, or associate myself with in time. Its not the relevant story I want to tell over and over again. I have known two great well-known theologians; one who has mentored me for years now and one who I was able to minister to in the last year of his life. I am most grateful for it, but do not want to drop names just for the sake of being seen in a better light by others (believe me I have before). I have come to the conclusion that to be the refuse of the world means that when we follow Christ we imitate His life of no reputation and seek His kingdom first. We are to seek reputation with God! Its the beginning of getting on with a life wholly dedicated to serving Him in Spirit and Truth. We can’t really love others fully unless we are fully aware of our need for God at all times. Pour contempt on pride and arrogance and release yourself from the bondage of needing the approval or recognition of man. It is a trap that ends in nothing but self-loathing  and shame. When we’re content with God’s assessment of our life then are we truly at peace and able to love others without restraint or compromise, for it is the love of Christ that constrains us not our need to be seen or rewarded! Let Christ be the relevant story you tell at all times and in time He will show you just how accepted you really are. There is no measure!