For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4
What happens when all we really care about is how things look from the outside?
Millions of people followed the family of eight online, watching regular videos of their home life. They seemed like an example of a disciplined, successful home: ordered house, polite, high-achieving, well-behaved children. From the outside, it was all very impressive. But a very different reality emerged. Discipline was severe. What mattered most was how things looked. Eventually, abuse became the norm and mom ended up going to prison for 30 years.[1]
That’s an extreme example, but living for the approval of others can happen so easily. It can quietly become our guide and then lead to bondage, as we shape our choices around image and reactions—instead of on convictions. We say yes when we should say no. We stay silent when truth is needed. Chasing approval drowns out everything else and leads us to ignore God’s promptings. The Bible’s Proverbs say, “Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety” (Proverbs 29:25).
Jesus shows us what it looks like to live free from the need for approval of others. Crowds wanted Him to do miracles. Religious leaders wanted Him to comply with their rules. Friends wanted protection. Yet, again and again, Jesus chose faithfulness—pleasing and always obeying His Father.
Here’s the hard truth: living a life of faith will not always be applauded. But it will always be seen by God. Scripture reminds us, “Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4b). Approval fades quickly. Faithfulness shapes us into who we become.
[1] Mattea Bubalo “Who is Ruby Franke, the parenting influencer jailed for child abuse?” BBC News, February 21, 2024, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66719859
