For I am now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 

If you're anything like me, you desire to be approved of. As a child we are taught that if we do X we will receive Y and Y is good and what Y has must be good if they want to give it to me if I do X. Of course, there is typically trust with that person... a parent, a teacher, a friend, a boyfriend or girlfriend, a sibling, and maybe even for some it's our children. 

First of all, you and I need to have an understanding of a few things regarding the trap and freedom approval does to our soul. Addiction is seen in common lack of moral choices; drinking, drugs, porn etc. Well, friends, I share with you that approval is an addiction. Its something that we come to when insecurity hits, we put that selfie up, we check how many likes we get... BOOM! 

I'm approved of by 180 people

OR

I'm only approved of by 9 

You didn't do anything too different than last weeks selfie, so what did people not like about THIS particular photo? 

"Was it the hair? Did HE (you know that one guy you've been thinking about) like the photo... no... ok, well maybe if I try something different, ugh, I'll keep trying. He'll notice me."

Recognize the slavery in this, it can control how GREAT or how BAD we feel. Feelings change all too often to try and keep up entertaining them (sure it can be fun, but it's unhealthy). Let's stop feeding them and watch to see our world change to freedom. 

When I come to the realization of who Christ says I am, this washes up any desire to do these cooky things. Who He says we are doesn't change from photo to photo; from an extra sale at work; from getting the winning touchdown; winning in OT; or running the extra mile. DISCLAIMER: These are great things when we're not doing them to be approved of. 

Seek His approval. When you know how valuable and highly He thinks of you, You will want His approval. This is something I struggle with to this day; I can't comprehend my value. I see others' except my own... I've been bullied, I've been overweight, I've been mean, I've cheated, I've stolen. How could anyone love me? 

Well, similar to my job in retail, we have people who try to return product that is worn, it is smelly, there is hair and dirt... its a YEAR old for pete's sake. Of course it doesn't work because you USED it. They want something new but its not a fair trade. It isn't of value to my company because you'll get something new and I will be the one who has to throw that in the trash. Sorry, there is nothing I can do for you! 

God is so backwards that He takes our old and ugly sin and allows us to even exchange it for the finest clothing; a covering of approval, acceptance and above all things love. I am a part of who He is therefore I am already accepted. When and God willing I have my own children, I believe I will understand this further than I do now. 

But for now, me you are walking to find this road to understanding, together.

As I sit here and close my eyes and see Jesus' face I can cry because of His goodness and grace. This was not always the case, I would sit here and close my eyes a few years ago and be ashamed and condemned- I was so blinded by believing that like Adam and Eve; I sin, therefore, I hide. 

NO! You sin, you RUN towards Him and you will find a loving, loving, God who will embrace you and forgive you. Of course, blatantly sinning can offer further discussion BUT truly even in that, He embraces you and He embraces me. 

Because in Christ, you are approved of. All you have to do is accept it. 

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker, who has no need to be ashamed, right handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 

Follow me on Instagram: @hersoulsparkles