Approval – one definition is “official acceptance of as satisfactory.” That does not seem like a bad thing in and of itself; however, when the approval of men is more important to us than the approval of God, it is problematic. Of course, it is human and natural to desire love and acceptance; however, God’s word teaches us that it is HIS approval that matters above all.
The opinions of family, friends and other acquaintances are often flawed, selfish, or unkind. but God’s opinion of you is rooted in perfect love and perfect knowledge of who you are. In Jeremiah 1:5, He says, “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.”
In Matthew 16:13-17, Jesus challenged the disciples as to who they thought Jesus was:
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.
When you are faced with unflattering labels, and discouraging or hurtful remarks from others, make the passage of Matthew 16:13-17 personal and ask our Heavenly Father, “BUT WHAT ABOUT YOU, LORD? WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?”
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” [Romans 8:38-39].