THE APPROVAL SYNDROME

READY
The fear of man is a snare, but the one who trusts in the LORD is protected.
Proverbs 29:25

In God, whose word I praise,
in the Lord, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can man do to me?
Psalms 52:10-11

SET
Sports today have almost consumed our society. Who can even imagine a world before Sports Center? Many people live their lives through other teams, athletes and coaches - their successes and their failures.

In this highly competitive world, the approval of fans, family members and friends can be very appealing, just as their disapproval can be very discouraging. For every coach and player, our teams and ourselves can be the subject of lavish praise or severe criticism. Neither which are really accurate or truly earned. Coaches and players alike can struggle with the “approval syndrome”—the need for the approval of others. The truth is if we focus on striving for others' approval, we will be on a constant roller coaster of joy and despair. Also, when we focus on the approval of others we will ultimately be tempted to do things that are self-destructive and contrary to God's Will for our life.

The above verses can provide us comfort as we find confidence and peace in knowing that the only approval that matters is that of Jesus Christ. When we have given Him our life and are seeking to follow him, we are pleasing to Him. This is true whether we win or lose in whatever game we are playing and in our worldly life successes or struggles. This is a constant truth, because of who we are following. We are His, Jesus loves us, and that never changes.

GO
1. What do you spend more time thinking about - how you are perceived by others or how you are pleasing God?
2. Have you ever felt criticism from others, but approval from God? If so, give an example. If not, describe a time when you can see that happening.

WORKOUT
Extra Reading:
Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God[c];
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Psalms 62:5-8

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I entrust my life.
Psalm 143:8

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight
Proverbs 3:5-6


PRAYER
God, while it’s easy to forget and worry about what my colleagues, fans, family, and friends think about me, I choose to perform for an audience of one—You and You alone. I pray that all my actions will bring You honor. Amen.