This blog is deeply personal and inspired by recent devotionals, including "Becoming More Like Jesus: Humility" by Nathan Miller and Glorify’s "Seeking External Validation." These reflections have profoundly impacted my spiritual journey.
The Journey to Humility
Over the past few months, I've been praying to walk humbly with God. I've noticed undesirable traits in myself, like pride, people-pleasing, and being judgmental. I've always been a people-pleaser, but I didn’t realize that I also harbored false humility and a lot of pride. My new church, where I keep the Sabbath and observe Feast Days as a Messianic Believer, has been instrumental in this realization.
Returning to devotional plans on the YouVersion Bible app and Glorify, which I hadn't engaged with in over a year, felt like a nudge from the Holy Spirit. These devotionals have helped me understand the importance of seeking glory for God rather than for myself.
Seeking Glory for God
Matthew 5:16 (ESV) states, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Our good works should point people to God, acknowledging that our skills and abilities are gifts from Him. Therefore, it’s crucial to give God the glory that belongs to Him.
The Pitfall of External Validation
One key lesson from these devotionals is the danger of seeking external validation from people who hardly know us. As Nathan Miller pointed out, a study shows that beyond 150 personal contacts, maintaining a personal connection becomes difficult. John Lydgate’s quote resonates here: "You can please some of the people all of the time; you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time."
Seeking others’ approval leads to emotional confusion and unhealthy influences. When I try to please others, I lose myself and start to take on other people’s personalities, which is dangerous.
The Burden of People-Pleasing
Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:29–30 (ESV) offer comfort: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Jesus wasn’t trying to impress the Pharisees; He came to do the will of His Father. Similarly, Paul emphasized in Galatians 1:10–12 that seeking the approval of men would conflict with his mission from Jesus.
Living for God requires intentional effort and a constant battle against our ego. Our flesh often desires attention and validation, reminiscent of Eve's temptation in the Garden of Eden. She ate the apple, wanting to be wise like God and rationalizing her disobedience. We must avoid falling into the same trap of trying to steal God's glory.
Living for God's Approval
We must strive to follow the plan Jesus and Paul laid out: to tell others about God. His rewards far surpass any earthly approval or social media likes. As Glorify beautifully put it, “I live before the audience of one. Before others, I have nothing to gain, nothing to lose, and nothing to prove." OS Guinness.
By focusing on God's approval and walking humbly with Him, we can lead a more fulfilling and spiritually enriched life. Let's remember to give glory where it's due and seek validation from the One who truly knows us.
Please check out Nathan Miller's devotional blogs; I enjoy them, and this is where most of the material for this blog came from. I'm sure you will, too. OnThe3rdDay Devotionals — OnThe3rdDay
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