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The Right Kind of Need

This morning I read Romans 12 and it reminded me of our study group's conversation last night about our individual need for approval. Our pastor talked about this last Sunday and we reflected on who's approval was most important to us.

Romans 12:2 says: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." We were asked a seemingly simple question - How do we respond when people engage us in ungodly conversations? Do we participate to gain approval, or do we disengage and by doing so demonstrate godliness? The honest answer to this shows how much value we put on external opinions. If I'm honest, I can point out times when I have not demonstrated godliness because I wanted to fit in and create a sense of camaraderie. I placed too much value on the opinions of people and in doing so, was swayed away from God's will for me. Romans 12:2 reminds me that my mind must be renewed and transformed into God's way of thinking on who I am and what is my purpose. Thankfully, we have the Holy Spirit to make us feel uncomfortable when we place our value elsewhere. The Holy Spirit reminds us of our value to God and the purpose he has placed in us. This purpose calls us to desire God's approval over the approval of society.
Who I Am
What Is My Purpose
Being transformed in our minds also means not tripping ourselves up by trying to measure up to someone else's standards. Romans 12:3 says: "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment..." Trying to measure up to someone else's standards is a form of dependence on society's approval. I was reminded that when I seek societal approval, this can stifle my ability to act according to my purpose. Although it can be hard, we need to accept that not everyone will like us. The mere fact that we believe God is real and Jesus died and rose up from death, will make some people dislike us. Being sober-minded and accepting the likeliness of disapproval, helps to focus on the approval of the One who's opinion is most important. With a transformed mind, we don't regard ourselves too highly and seek the popularity of the world.

I like the remainder of Romans 12 because it answers the question - How can we achieve God's approval? It helps to remember that God has a different plan and purpose for each of us. God's plan is unique to each of us, so we should not seek to imitate others. (Romans 12:4-8)
Different Plan and Purpose
Instead, we should follow God's wish list for us as we walk in the unique purpose he has for our individual lives. This wish list comes directly from Romans 12:9-21 and is so good!
  • Let love be genuine.
  • Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.
  • Love one another with brotherly affection.
  • Outdo one another in showing honor.
  • Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
  • Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
  • Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
  • Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
  • Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
  • Live in harmony with one another.
  • Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.
  • Never be wise in your own sight.
  • Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
  • If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
  • Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
  • To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”
  • Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

If we follow God's guidance on how to think and act, follow his plan for us, and hold in low esteem the opinion of society towards our uniqueness, we will feel the approval of God - the One who truly matters and can bring us the greatest satisfaction.

At first, I chose to post this song because I simply enjoy it. Quickly thereafter, this song caused me to reflect on how we seek the approval of those who we are in love with and who love us back. God's love for us is excessive. When I feel his love for me, it's hard to not respond back with seeking his attention and approval. I encourage us to think about his love for us and let that guide our decisions and actions.

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