As a young boy, I longed for the approval of my parents — especially Dad.
That’s probably why I continued to play organized baseball from age 11 through 22. As I became more accomplished, that approval came from coaches, fellow players and fans.
There’s a certain adrenaline rush that comes from positive recognition of others. It can actually become a motivational drug.
During my short military career, I had the honor of commanding a signal company at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, during my final six months in the U.S. Army.
One of the highlights of that stateside duty was participating in monthly parades. We were one of seven signal companies vying for the post commander’s banner. Amazingly, during those six parades, the 521st Signal Company secured the banner three times.
Needless to say, our morale was quite high in being honored by the commanding general.
You see, seeking the approval of others is quite natural. Our efforts may not garner our anticipated approval as often as we would like, but even occasional success keeps us striving for that approval again and again.
It’s similar to playing a slot machine. Even occasional success causes the player to continue to contribute to their fairly predictable losses!
That banner only remained at our company headquarters for a month and then it was up for grabs once again.
One of our family pastimes is tuning in to The Voice and being entertained by aspiring singers hoping for the turn of one or more chairs.
In essence, these talented musicians are vying for the initial approval of the judges and, ultimately, the approval of the many fans who text their choices for the finale.
There are so many in this world seeking the approval of others.
Don’t take this the wrong way. Seeking approval is not necessarily bad, but it’s important to understand how this phenomenon works.
It does not last. Sooner or later, it will fade away and all that’s left is a distant memory. There’s but One Whose approval can last forever!
Here’s what the Apostle Paul shares in 2 Timothy 2:15: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
So, there you go — these days the approval I cherish is that received from God Almighty. No, I don’t hear an audible voice from Heaven praising any actions on my part, but I am satisfied just knowing that I am in His will.
I can sense His presence as I go through the daily drudgeries of my business and personal affairs and know He is pleased through the responses of others to my actions and attendance to those meaningful matters He places in my path.
Let me share these words of Jesus found in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
That’s the bottom line. That’s all the approval I need these days — knowing that I’m pleasing to my Heavenly Father. There’s a wonderful peace available to all who trust in Him!