Seeking approval.

Lately, I've noticed a clear and distinct pattern in the way we act as human beings. More so, I am referring to our constant need and desire for approval. I've come to notice that it is innate within us to not only want but to physically and emotionally NEED the "atta-boy". We search for people who will forever build up our egos but we seem to be attracted to those who we have deemed to have more authority of the subject of how much we mean in this world. Everyone has that person. That person they admire and look up to. That friend that just seems to have it all and who we've considered to have the only opinion that matters. Surely, if they say that we're good or wonderful then it's true because everyone wants to be them. We often compromise who we are in order to impress this person. This brings me to my real point--Why do we not feel this way with our God? I have often heard the words "I am not good enough for God." Truth be told, none of us are. However, why not try? Why have we given up so quickly on pursuing our Father's approval? Have we considered it too hard, or are we afraid that He might ask us to do something challenging? Whatever the case may be, I have found myself to be a poor example and a disgrace. God is the one person who will never consider me anything less than beautiful, wonderful, or amazing, yet He is never the one I work to impress. Who am I glorifying with my life? Honestly, not the One who gave me this life. I am not honoring the One who died so that can spend eternity in Paradise. I pray that my need for popularity would die. That I could learn to accept the furnace.

In the book of Daniel, we are told the story of Meschach, Shadrach, and Abednego. These men were Jews in the time of Kind Nebuchadnezzar's rule. Kind Nebuchadnezzer was a man very much in love with himself and was determined that his kingdom should be as well (and most were, he was very popular). He declared a law that whenever the music sounded throughout the city, all would bow down and worship him. Not long after, news came that Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego were not following the law. The king thought this surely could not be true! These men were his top soldiers, and his friends! He called them before him and asked them if the accusations were accurate. Without hesitation, the men confirmed the rumors. They went on to explain that they would only serve and worship their God, no matter the consequences. They were sentenced to death my burning in the furnace. The kind was outraged and ordered the furnace to be heated seven times normal. The fire was so hot that it killed the soldiers who threw the three men in. Soon, the king was astonished and shocked to see four men walking around in the furnace. He ordered them out of the furnace to see that they were completely unharmed. They went on to explain that their God has saved them.

This story is the perfect example of people dying to the will of man and to live completlely for our Lord. I pray that I could do the same.