God’s Approval, the Ultimate

We have discussed the need to start well, but the question that begs an answer is “how do we start well?” The first thing we need for us to start well is to seek God’s approval instead of men’s approval. There are a greater number of people who sought after the approval of men at the expense of God’s approval and suffered great harm. It proved to be injurious to their souls. There is no way one can start well in life if the person seeks and glories in men’s approval. Mostly, the approval of men, in the biblical text, is equated to “vain glory.” That is, the glory bestowed upon you by men is empty, void, and short-lived.

To this end, God’s approval is the ultimate. I do not, in any way, condemn the approval of men, however, I do want you to see the far-reaching, supreme, and greater approval that is far above and beyond men’s approval that is God’s approval. However, God’s approval can be confirmed by men’s approval. They do concede in some cases. Men can see what God is doing in one’s life and confirm it, so we should note the difference when men’s approval confirms the Omnipotent’s approval. As soon as the approval of men conflicts with God’s approval, we should, at once, turn to God and shun men’s flattery.

One will quiz, “How can I know what God approves?” The answer lies in His Word, the Spirit within, and inner tranquility. This is, whatever one sets out to do must be in line with God’s word. God’s word is clear and not contradictory. If what one is about to do is abhorrent to the LORD, then there is no need to do it. He has stated what constitutes disobedience and obedience in the biblical text. It would be tantamount to foolishness if one wishes to steal and, therefore, prays to find out whether God approves of stealing. God has already stated it categorically that no one should steal. You know His position on the subject matter already. What God approves and disproves is already stated in the biblical text.

The Spirit within also confirms what God approves and disproves. Paul stated that God’s Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are children of God (Romans 8:16). If someone is an enemy to God, they know. If someone has been born by God, they know. The Holy Spirit who inhabits the believer does show and confirm what God approves. Paul wanted to return to Asia minor to continue the work he has already started, but the Holy Spirit directed him to Macedonia. God disproved Paul going to Asia minor but He approved Paul going to Macedonia to minister the Word. To this end, it is safe to argue that one can know what God approves through the Holy Spirit.

Apart from the two points mentioned above, the third thing is that “Do you find peace in the decision you are taking?” Many do not know how important this is. After going through the written word and having concluded that your decision is in line with God’s word, and have received confirmation from the Holy Spirit, inner tranquility should be sought after before you finally decide on what to do. There are so many people who have taken a decision but later blamed themselves because they decided without inner tranquility. Although God might have even proven that the decision was in line with His will, because there was no peace within when the decision was being taken, the person lives in regret. The devil deceives many believers because of this. When they encounter challenges, many believers blame themselves and live in regret. Maybe, these challenges are also in line with God’s will for us, but because we decided in haste without inner conviction and tranquility, we believe we made a mistake. Do you wish to start well? Then, seek God’s approval, and the above propositions show you how to seek it. Soli Deo Gloria 

Michael Yaw Tano

tanomichael65@gmail.com

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