“How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?” — John 5:44
“For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.” — 2 Corinthians 10:18
Jesus exposed a dangerous spiritual trap — living for the approval of people instead of the approval of God. The religious leaders in John 5 loved recognition from one another. Their desire for human praise blinded them to the truth standing right in front of them — Jesus Christ. When a person lives for the applause of men, faith becomes weak. But when a believer seeks God’s approval above all, his life becomes steady and sincere.
Paul echoes the same truth in 2 Corinthians 10:18. Real approval does not come from self-promotion or human praise. The only commendation that truly matters is the Lord’s commendation. The Christian life must therefore be lived before an audience of One.
Illustration #1 — David Before Goliath
When David faced Goliath, his own brother accused him of pride. “I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart…” (1 Samuel 17:28). David could have turned back because of criticism, but he was not seeking the approval of men. He was concerned about God’s honor. “I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts.” (1 Samuel 17:45). David stood for God because his goal was not human praise but God’s glory. And God honored him with victory.
Illustration #2 — The Apostle Paul
Paul constantly faced criticism and opposition, yet he remained focused on God’s approval. “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10). Paul understood that a servant of Christ cannot live for popularity. His goal was to finish his course faithfully so that he might hear the Lord’s approval. “I have fought a good fight… henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness.” (2 Timothy 4:7–8). Paul lived for the day when Christ Himself would commend him.
A believer must decide whose approval he truly seeks: the praise of people, which is temporary — or the approval of God, which is eternal. One day every servant of Christ hopes to hear the greatest commendation possible:
“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:21
Do not live for the applause of men — live for the approval of God.