Already Approved!

Scripture – 2 Timothy 2:14-19: ¹⁴Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. ¹⁵Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. ¹⁶Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. ¹⁷Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, ¹⁸who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. ¹⁹Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) In my younger days I put a lot of effort into trying to please other people and gain their approval. In that, I was giving them the power to validate who I was. I even gave that power to complete strangers. Part of the transforming, redemptive work Christ has done in me is to lift me out of that trap. He continues to teach me about His grace. God loves me no matter what. So I am free to present myself to Him, not to gain approval, but as one already approved.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Without question, this is still an issue for me. The temptation to look to others for approval and validation still pops up with regularity. I will remember today, God accepts me as I am. In Him, I am approved and validated. I will live in that freedom.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, you know how easy it is to look elsewhere for approval. Help me today to live for you – to live in your grace – to live free from the need to please others for the wrong reasons.