Before we dive into these stories, it’s vital to reflect on how approval-seeking can show up in our own lives. Whether it’s through our careers, relationships, and even our faith journeys, this pursuit can quietly steer us away from God’s purpose. Let’s consider a couple of biblical examples of people that pursued fame or approval and the implications they faced.
Biblical Examples of People Who Pursued Fame
King Saul: Saul’s downfall began when he prioritized the approval of individuals over obedience to God. In 1 Samuel 15, Saul disobeyed God’s command to destroy the Amalekites and their possessions. When confronted by Samuel, Saul admitted, “I feared the people and obeyed their voice” (1 Samuel 15:24). Saul’s desire to please the people cost him his kingdom. This story teaches us that searching for human approval can lead us to compromise our obedience to God.
The Rich Young Ruler: In Mark 10, we read a few wealthy young man who asked Jesus what he must do to inherit everlasting life. When Jesus told him to sell all he had, give to the poor, and follow Him, the person walked away sorrowful because he had great possessions. Though he sought Jesus’ approval outwardly, his heart was tied to his wealth and standing. He wanted the advantages of following Jesus without the fee of surrendering his earthly treasures.
The Pharisees: The Pharisees are perhaps probably the most glaring example of people that lived for human approval. Jesus said of them in Matthew 23:5, “They do all their deeds to be seen by others.” They performed religious acts not out of affection for God but to earn the praise of men. Their outward piety masked an inward emptiness, and Jesus called them “whitewashed tombs”—beautiful on the skin but stuffed with death on the within.
The Freedom of Living for God’s Approval
In contrast to those examples, let’s have a look at Jesus Himself. Jesus never sought the approval of man; He lived to do the need of His Father. In John 8:29, He said, “I all the time do the things which are pleasing to him.” Even when He was rejected, mocked, and crucified, Jesus remained steadfast in His mission because His identity and purpose were rooted in God, not within the opinions of others.
We are called to follow His example. Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and never for men, knowing that from the Lord you’ll receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” When we live for God’s approval, once we know whom we serve, we discover true confidence. We find purpose, peace, and joy.
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