In what ways can we seek God's approval over human approval like Leah? Leah’s Longing for Approval Genesis 29:34 records, “Once again Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she said, ‘Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.’ So he was named Levi.” Leah’s heart ached for her husband’s affection. Three sons in, she still measured herself by Jacob’s response rather than resting in the Lord’s unfailing love. Her experience helps us recognize the pull of human approval and points us toward the freedom of living for God’s smile. Why Human Approval Falls Short • Human affirmation shifts with moods, seasons, and circumstances • Basing worth on another’s response breeds comparison, jealousy, and insecurity • The applause of people cannot satisfy the God-given craving for eternal significance (Ecclesiastes 3:11) Scripture’s Call to Seek God First • Galatians 1:10 — “Am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? … If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” • Colossians 3:23 — “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” • 1 Thessalonians 2:4 — “Instead, we speak as those approved by God … not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts.” • Proverbs 29:25 — “The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.” Practical Ways to Pursue God’s Approval 1. Anchor identity in God’s Word • Remember you are “chosen, holy, and dearly loved” (Colossians 3:12). • Meditate on Psalm 139:13-18; Isaiah 43:4; 1 Peter 2:9. 2. Replace people-pleasing with God-pleasing motives • Begin tasks consciously “for the Lord” (Colossians 3:17). • Evaluate success by faithfulness, not popularity. 3. Cultivate secret devotion • Spend unhurried time in Scripture and prayer where only God sees (Matthew 6:6). • Fast, give, and serve without announcing it (Matthew 6:1-4). 4. Speak and act with eternity in view • Let the coming judgment seat of Christ outweigh present opinions (2 Corinthians 5:9-10). • Store treasures in heaven, not on earth (Matthew 6:19-21). 5. Welcome God’s refining work • Allow trials to loosen the grip of earthly approval (James 1:2-4). • Trust that His discipline proves you are a loved child (Hebrews 12:5-11). Encouraging Truths to Hold Fast • The Lord delights in those who fear Him (Psalm 147:11). • God’s approval was secured at the cross; you are accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6). • When your heart seeks Him first, He meets every legitimate need (Matthew 6:33). Leah eventually named her fourth son Judah, saying, “This time I will praise the LORD” (Genesis 29:35). Her shift from longing for Jacob’s attachment to praising God provides a simple, liberating pattern: lift eyes from human validation, rest in divine favor, and let praise rise from a heart satisfied in Him alone. |
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