Memorize: Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth; 2 Timothy 2:15
In the book of 2 Timothy 2; Paul’s advice to Timothy as a vessel was to seek God’s approval and not man’s. It is also God’s word to us today. As believers, our primary concern should be to gain God’s approval. We should not seek the approval of men, even of our family or friends, but of God himself. Sometimes, in order to gain God’s approval we have to lose man’s.
John the Baptist discovered this (Matthew 14:8) and so did the man in John 9 verse 34. Stephen also lost the approval of men but gained God’s approval (Acts 7:59). The same with Paul and Silas in the book of Acts 16:23-24.
So many of today’s Christians are careless and lack spiritual discipline. It is so easy for us to go with the crowd. Many enjoy the accolade of men more than obeying the voice of God.
Sometimes men may misunderstand you, they may not agree with you on the decision the Spirit of God is leading you to take. They may tag you with unpleasant names, they may reject you, all of these should not discourage or sway you! Let your focus be on God and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
The parents of Jesus were looking for him, they had a different expectation on him. When they eventually found him, Jesus told them in Luke 2:49; And he said unto them, how is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
The same with many of us, our parents have a set mind and expectation of us, our teacher or instructor may believe we should go a certain way. If care is not taken, it can even be your spiritual leader that will have a different expectation about you despite how hard you explain the leading of the Holy Spirit, they may not fully understand. However, you must still seek and obtain the approval of God and let the Holy Spirit guide you.
Many destinies have been aborted, dreams shattered, and visions killed because man’s approval was followed instead of God’s instruction. Paul in Galatians 1:10; says – For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet please men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Men do not have the blue print of your life; they have little or no knowledge about the plan of God for your life. God has the plan of your life in His hands and only He knows how to accomplish it.
I encourage you today, as a vessel unto God, strive to be approved by God, and be not influenced by the opinion of man. May the LORD help you focus on Christ the author and finisher of your faith in Jesus name
Prayer point: My father and my God, help me stand before you approved and worthy in Jesus name.
Key Dose: Before accepting the offer of man, seek God’s approval!
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor
In His Presence Christ Tabernacle
