Social media has really driven our need for other people’s approval. Being a people pleaser has been around since Adam and Eve, but never before in history have we ever had such an instant measure of how many people are “pleased” with us (read that as how many “likes” we get on social media). To be clear there is nothing wrong with having people like us, the problem comes with the things that we often try to do in order to gain people’s approval.

I remember at the tender age of 5 asking my Grandmother to do my handwriting homework because I wanted to impress my teacher and fellow students. When I went to school the next day showing off my beautiful page with the whole alphabet written in perfect cursive handwriting I had everyone in awe. My teacher was so impressed that she asked me to write the whole alphabet again while my class watched. That is when the wheels quickly came off my not so elaborate hoax.
In Proverbs 29:25 we read that: Being afraid of people can get you into trouble, but if you trust the Lord, you will be safe (NCV).

There are countless stories in the Bible of people who made silly decisions because they were craving the approval of others. King Saul disobeyed God and lost his kingdom, Samson shared his secret and lost his strength, King Solomon gave in to his 700 wives and 300 concubines and lost his close relationship with God, and as a 5 year-old, I lied to my teacher and fellow students and lost their trust, and my integrity.

Living for other people’s approval, and fearing what they think of us will often get us into trouble – but trusting God will keep us safe.
We read in the John 3:16 that God loves us all so much that he gave his life for us. God is pleased with us and we already have his approval. Take some time out to let this truth really sink into your heart. God loves you, and he approves of you, just the way you are.  When we live from God’s approval, this frees us from chasing the approval of others.

God bless,    

Roland Talamaivao-Amituanai