In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the expectations and opinions of others. We often find ourselves living a life solely to please those around us, whether it be our family, friends, colleagues, or society at large. But amidst this external pressure, we may lose sight of a higher purpose – living a life that aligns with our own values and beliefs, including our relationship with God.
In this article, we will delve into why we tend to prioritize the approval of others over pleasing God, and the importance of redirecting our focus towards a more meaningful and fulfilling existence.
The Power of Social Validation
Seeking Acceptance and Belonging
As social beings, humans inherently desire to fit in and be accepted by their communities. We seek validation from others to feel a sense of belonging and avoid feelings of isolation or rejection. Consequently, we often mould our behaviours, choices, and lifestyles to align with societal norms and expectations. The fear of being judged or ostracized can lead us to compromise our own values, diverting our attention away from God’s will.
Cultural and Societal Influences
Our upbringing and the cultural environment we grow up in significantly shape our perspectives and priorities. Society sets certain standards for success, happiness, and fulfilment, often emphasizing material possessions, achievements, and popularity. These societal pressures can overshadow our spiritual journey, leaving us more concerned with external measures of success rather than our connection with God.
What Goes Wrong about the Pleasure of Human Approval
Immediate Gratification
Receiving praise and admiration from others can be highly rewarding on a psychological level. It triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, in our brains. This natural response reinforces the behaviour of seeking approval from others, as we are biologically wired to seek pleasure and avoid pain. Unfortunately, the pursuit of human approval can distract us from seeking a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with God thus avoiding a deeper relationship with who we are.
Fear of Rejection and Criticism
The fear of disapproval, criticism, or rejection can be paralyzing. We may worry about losing relationships, opportunities, or social status if we deviate from societal expectations. This fear often leads us to compromise our authentic selves and prioritize others’ opinions over our personal beliefs. Instead of seeking God’s approval, we become preoccupied with the opinions of those around us. And while we focus on those around us, oftentimes we lose sight of who we are.
Rediscovering Our Relationship with God
Embracing Our Individuality
God created each of us as unique individuals, with our own talents, passions, and purpose. By embracing our individuality, we can free ourselves from the shackles of societal expectations and live a life that aligns with God’s plan for us. Recognizing and utilizing our God-given gifts allows us to contribute meaningfully to the world while finding true fulfilment and joy.
Prioritizing Spiritual Growth
Nurturing our relationship with God requires time, effort, intentionality and above all, surrender in obedience. It involves engaging in spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, reading sacred texts, and participating in religious communities. By prioritizing our spiritual growth, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of God’s will and align our actions and decisions accordingly. Pleasing God becomes the guiding principle in our lives, bringing us peace and purpose.
No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.
2 Timothy 2:4
Conclusion
Living a life solely to please others can leave us feeling empty and disconnected from our true selves. While the desire for acceptance and approval is natural, it’s essential to develop a deeper purpose – a relationship obeying God. Redirecting our focus towards nurturing our relationship with the divine allows us to live a more meaningful and authentic life, aligned with our values and beliefs. It is through this connection that we can find true fulfilment, purpose, and everlasting love.
Remember following the flesh will never please God (Rom 8:8). Without faith its impossible to please God (Heb 11:6). Increase knowledge of Him whom you believe in, the one whom you trust in and choose to spend even more time, getting closer with Him and developing a closer (intimate) relationship in prayer and worship. As 2 Timothy 2:4, says No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. Faith and belief are all about total trust and surrender.
It is true man finds life easy by finding, seeking and living in short-term gratifying moments. But, taking a day as it comes and developing ourselves and disciplining ourselves to spend time with the Father is a journey that will change us internally and externally. And it’s through this change in who we are growing in faith, trust, obedience and surrender to God, we find and live a more fulfilling life.
Discover more from Yours, Karah
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