In the past, I often referred to myself as an "affirmation junkie." I googled the phrase thinking I might have been witty enough to have been the first person to pen the phrase. I quickly and clearly discovered I am not the only one who has ailed from this symptom at times.
We're the people pleasers. The compliment thrivers. The praise seekers. The applause lovers. And ultimately it's exhausting. We're sent flying by the applause of men and crashed at the hint of potential "failure" or discovered imperfections. We need the approval of man. We need to "just know" all is well in the eyes of others regarding our selves. We need the highs of accomplishment and excellence. We give. And though unspoken, we want back the subtle acknowledgment of a job well done.
One question. In Whom is your confidence? If it is in yourself, you will inevitably be met with disappointment after disappointment in this life as you come face to face with the reality you are merely human, finite, and imperfect. You will find yourself tired and exhausted. You will find yourself hurt by those around you and bitterness knocking.
If your confidence is in Jesus Christ, the Son of the One True God, then you have a different reality. Not one of superhuman makeup, but one that frees you from the reliance upon your limited and gross efforts. Your reality is that of what He has proclaimed for you. Abundant life. Everlasting life. A love that no height or depth could separate.
Romans 8:31-39
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Do I need to worry about the expectations of this world or worry what they think? No, I can rest. Rest on knowing I have won the heart of my Heavenly Father - not because of anything I have done but because of the work Christ did at the cross. When he exchanged my filthy rags for a robe of righteousness. When He saved me from myself and my own works.
If you have found yourself ever seeking the applause of those around you, I encourage and challenge you to re-frame and remember: seeking affirmation reinforces dependency on self which ultimately exhausts, wears down and drains the seeker. This world has continued expectations that fluctuate as quickly as today's fashion. Don't be swept away with the changing inconsistent opinions and preferences of people who cannot bring ultimate fulfillment, satisfaction or happiness to you.
"Its not by works any man is saved lest he should boast." There! Not your works. Not then. Not now. No bragging rights here.
Challenge: Who is your Audience? If it's this world, it's ever changing and unpleasing. If it is the Lord, you have His full attention.
Ephesians 1:6 -8
"...to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.
Ephesians 3:20-21
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen"
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