How often we give of ourselves, yet receive no appreciation. A mother cooks and a child turns up its nose. A child studies hard, but the best of his or her effort is ignored in light of one average grade in one particular subject. A husband works all day to provide for clothing, shelter, food--only to be handed a "to-do list" of requests the moment he walks in the door: Take the baby; feed the dog; fix the toilet; mow the lawn. Elderly parents are ignored; wisdom they have gleaned from longevity and experience is set aside--out of touch with today's reality.
Why do we need man's approval? Why do we hunger for it? Should not our words and deeds all be for Christ alone?
Long ago I gave up looking for approval and validation from my parents. I came to grips with a sound fact; it is not they who measure my worth or value. Yet, throughout my life, I sought validation from peers, those I ministered unto, and even my children. Most often, I wasn't even aware I sought it. Validation is something we all seek from someone, somewhere. No other place is this seen as clearly as in writing to please the masses. Writers write because they must. But what if there are no readers? Do we bend our principles, our focus, to tantalize? To incite, to gossip, to carry tales, to condemn others, to bring attention to ourselves? Or do we move forward, forming our sentences and thoughts to pour out of a heart pure in the sight of God?
"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever." 1 Peter 4:10-11.
"If anyone serves..." If anyone writes? If anyone cooks? If anyone mows a lawn, tends to a child? "do it...so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ."
How great it is to know that our validation is in Christ Jesus. Not in man. When our motives are pure--and we seek to glorify Christ--validation is not necessary. Let God be praised. selahV
