Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10, NIV

Madison showed her excitement about the performance along with the other children as they waited to enter the auditorium. Parents and grandparents lined the room for this last program of the year. I had decided that the children would enter singing one of their songs. However, within seconds of our entrance into the room, the song could not be heard because Madison drowned it out with her loud crying! Her teacher came and rescued the performance by whisking Madison away to be comforted. After the performance, her teacher told me that Madison was upset because when she entered the room, her mother wasn’t there, and this was obviously all that truly mattered to Madison.

I have to admit that whether it’s public performances or daily lessons, I want approval from certain people, too: my peers, my supervisors, parents of my students, and my family. I need to take stock every once in a while to see just how much I want God’s approval, as well. I need to ask whether His approval is my first consideration. I need to ask if He would be pleased with the motives and intentions of my heart. I need to remember that I work for Him, not for my own selfish desires.

Dearest Lord, Thank You for leading us safely through this year. Please give us Your strength and perspective as we are working with all our might toward the finish line. Amen.

Copyright Shirley Wilson.  

Shirley is a retired Christian Educators member and former board member of Christian Educators.