One of the things we desire as people is approval. We want approval from our parents, friends, teachers, employers, etc. We want to know that we are accepted, and viewed as doing a good job and being a valuable asset. However, when we allow the approval of others be the thing that drives our motivation to work hard, we are telling God that his eternal approval of us doesn’t mean as much. We are fully and completely accepted in Christ, and living for Christ should be our motivation for doing well in whatever stage of life we are in.
This is something that I have always struggled with, but it has been in the forefront of my mind since I started my new job. I am employed at a company I worked for before, so I had higher expectations of myself coming into the job (even though it was still a new position, on a new team, on a new program). All I have been desiring every time I complete something is for someone to say, “Wow, you did such a great job!” or “Great work!”. I was not satisfied with just knowing in my heart that I did a good job, or the fact that I am working for the Lord and letting that be the thing that gives me joy and satisfaction. I need to shift my perspective to focusing on working for the Lord only, and not desiring the approval of the people I work with to determine my worth as an employee. “Work willingly at whatever you do, as through you were working for the Lord rather than for people” (Colossians 3:23).
There is nothing inherently wrong with wanting to be recognized for your hard work. That is an important part of company culture. However, when you can’t determine your worth as an employee without it, and you feel like if you are not constantly getting praised that you are not a good employee, then it becomes a problem. The desire to be approved by people is ruling your heart instead of Christ ruling your heart. If we know we are in Christ and we are doing our absolute best work everyday, being obedient to all the Lord has asked of us, then it doesn’t matter what people say. We should never need constant recognition from people. We always need to be focused on working for the Lord. “So my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Our focus everyday should be living for Christ, and doing everything to glorify God. “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). This should be the thing that rules our hearts everyday. This should be the only approval we need - the fact that we are accepted and loved by Christ who calls us to live for him daily.
If you are like me, let’s stop allowing the desire to be approved by people cause us to lose focus on who we are serving. We are here to serve Christ first and foremost, and as a result we will be better at serving those around us in a Christ-like way.
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