GOD'S APPROVAL

"I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ."

Philippians 3:8 NIV

Many of us race from one thing to another, driven by our need to accomplish, yet never feeling fulfilled or stopping long enough to appreciate our worth in God's eyes. Lasting fulfillment doesn't come from reaching another goal or deadline. For some it's pleasing others at the sacrifice of your true convictions. Paul wrote much of the New Testament, preached to world leaders and built the church, yet his heart's cry was "that I might know [be intimately acquainted with] Him" (v. 10 NKJV). We sing a song "I wanna go deeper...so much deeper, I wanna go higher...so much higher". Going higher means more of a pull on you, it's called G-forces (gravity). After a while your atmosphere will stabilize and you continue on. In going deeper, the pressure can kill you if you go at it quickly and carefree. Use wisdom, be alert! Don't give up! and Don't give In! Our Father doesn't have HARM for us but has HOPE for us. What we do is for the Kingdom.

Until God affirms you, the praises of men will keep falling into a heart that leaks. Once the thrill of the chase is over, there has to be more to your life than just accomplishing another goal. Our challenge is to address our nagging approval addiction (yes, addiction!) by turning to God to find the only approval that can truly satisfy-His approval. Paul worked hard, but he did it for one sole reason: "We labor...that we might be accepted of Him." Ask yourself, "Why am I doing what I do? Who am I doing it for?" Your answers will be revealing. What makes you think you can fulfill God's purpose for your life without taking the time and effort required to build a relationship with Him? Remember God works from the inside out. PRESSURE is part of the process. We live in a microwave society. We want it now. God sometimes works in a crock pot way, slow and it goes all the way to the bone. The enemy wants you to break....to be snuffed out. (Matthew 12:20-21)Without fresh fire in your soul you will burn out. Another credential and another trophy won't cut it. Only God can restore what all your striving has depleted. God will never ask you to do anything that replaces what His presence alone can do. In His presence crowns lose their luster and human accolades become meaningless (See Rev 4:10-11). There you can let it all go, without losing anything.