Mankind is greatly concerned with its reputation. Desire for approval inspires him to boast of his accomplishments, while fear of scorn leads him to hide his deficiencies. The secular man may claim a confidence with his lifestyle independent of social conventions, but will nonetheless expose his insecurity by the emphasis of his assertions. He is bound to feel his insufficiency, for true self-sufficiency is impossible for him to attain to. Thus he seeks validation in acceptance from the world, whether by apathy or actual approval, to reassure him in his choices.
Nor does the believer always experience complete freedom from this inclination. Once redeemed, he is called to exclusively seek the approval of Christ, even to the disdain of the world. But so long as he persists on Earth, he shall expect continued temptations of his sinful nature. Fear of man’s judgement may cause him hesitation in speaking or acting as God would have him, if he is not diligent in reaffirming his hope.
Speaking to His disciples, Jesus described a very different scenario; “If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:18-19) To value the approval of man is in fact antithetical to honoring God, as described in 1 John 2:15b – If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Rather than harbor false hope of acceptance from his fellow man, the believer does better to commit himself to Christ’s perfect standard. Such a life is challenging to maintain, but infinitely rewarding, and free from worldly fickleness. It is well to pay heed when God uses others to instruct and edify, but the focus must always be His will. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in Heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:10-12)
Be confident. TTT