Surrendering Approval: Leading for God’s Glory
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” — Galatians 1:10
Have you ever caught yourself refreshing your social media feed, anxiously waiting for likes or comments? Or maybe you’ve hesitated to speak your mind in fear of what others might think. The truth is, we’ve all wrestled with the need for approval. It’s natural to want to be liked, but when that desire controls our decisions, it can lead us down a path of insecurity and compromise. Instead of living for people’s praise, we’re called to live for God’s glory.
Breaking Free from Approval Addiction
Spoiler alert: not everyone is going to like your decisions. Even the most well-meaning leaders face criticism. Jesus, the perfect leader, was rejected by many. Why would we expect anything different?
When we surrender the need to please people, we’re freed to lead boldly for an audience of One. This doesn’t mean being reckless or unkind, but it does mean anchoring our worth in God’s affirmation rather than people’s applause.
A Lesson from History
Consider Abraham Lincoln, one of the most revered U.S. presidents in the history of this nation. During his presidency, Lincoln faced immense criticism from both his peers and the public. His decisions to end slavery and preserve the Union were deeply unpopular in certain circles. Yet, Lincoln famously said, “I desire so to conduct the affairs of this administration that if, at the end, I have lost every other friend on earth, I shall have at least one friend left, and that friend shall be God.” Lincoln’s focus on doing what was right—not what was popular—made all the difference.
God’s Approval Matters Most
In Matthew 3:17, at Jesus’ baptism, God declares, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”Notice that God’s affirmation came before Jesus’ public ministry began. Jesus hadn’t yet performed miracles or preached sermons, but God’s approval was already secure. This same truth applies to us. God’s love isn’t based on our performance, popularity, or approval ratings.
Practical Steps for Letting Go
Check your motives: Before making a decision, ask yourself, “Am I doing this to please God or to gain approval from others?”
Turn to Scripture: Meditate on verses like Galatians 1:10 or Colossians 3:23 (“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters”).
Pray for boldness: Ask God to give you the courage to follow Him, even when it’s hard.
Surround yourself with encouragers: Find friends and mentors who point you back to Christ when you’re tempted to seek validation elsewhere.
Closing Thought
Letting go of approval addiction isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. When we stop chasing people’s validation, we discover the freedom to lead, love, and live authentically for God. Remember, you don’t need everyone’s applause. The One who created you already sees you, loves you, and approves of you. That’s the only validation that truly matters.
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