God's Favor

God's favor, often synonymous with His grace and blessing, is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. It is the divine kindness and goodwill that God extends to His people, often resulting in protection, provision, and guidance. The favor of God is not something that can be earned through human effort or merit; rather, it is a gift bestowed by God according to His sovereign will.

In the Old Testament, God's favor is frequently associated with His covenant people, Israel. For instance, in Genesis 6:8, "But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD," indicating that Noah was chosen by God for a special purpose due to his righteousness and obedience. Similarly, in Exodus 33:17, God tells Moses, "I will do the very thing you have asked, for you have found favor in My sight, and I know you by name."

The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing that God's favor is available to all through faith in Jesus Christ. In Luke 1:30, the angel Gabriel tells Mary, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." This favor is not based on human status or achievement but on God's grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 underscores this truth: "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast."

Human Esteem

Human esteem, in contrast, refers to the approval, admiration, and respect that individuals seek from others. It is often based on external achievements, social status, or personal attributes. While human esteem can be a natural desire, the Bible warns against prioritizing it over God's favor.

In the Old Testament, the pursuit of human esteem is exemplified in the account of Saul, Israel's first king. Saul's concern for public opinion led to his downfall. In 1 Samuel 15:24, Saul admits to Samuel, "I have sinned; I have transgressed the LORD’s commandment and your instructions, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice." Saul's desire for human approval ultimately cost him God's favor and his kingdom.

The New Testament further cautions against seeking human esteem. In John 12:43, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees, saying, "For they loved praise from men more than praise from God." This highlights the danger of valuing human approval over divine approval. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Galatians 1:10: "Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."

The Contrast

The contrast between God's favor and human esteem is stark. God's favor is eternal, unchanging, and rooted in His character and promises. It brings true peace, joy, and fulfillment. Human esteem, however, is fleeting, often fickle, and can lead to compromise and spiritual downfall.

Proverbs 29:25 warns, "The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high." This verse encapsulates the biblical perspective that seeking God's favor should take precedence over human approval. The pursuit of God's favor aligns believers with His will and purpose, while the pursuit of human esteem can lead to idolatry and distraction from God's calling.

Ultimately, the Bible encourages believers to seek God's favor above all else, trusting that His approval is of far greater worth than any human accolade. As Jesus taught in Matthew 6:33, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you."