GIF The Value of God’s Approval

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

(1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV)

The Value of God’s Approval
by Chuck Bentley

The world is constantly trying to conform us to its image. But Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (NIV).

Conforming to God’s pattern may not make us popular or rich. But we don’t serve God because of what He can do for us; we serve Him because He is God. Job was so sure of this fact that he told his friends, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” ( Job 13:15 NIV).

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were so sure of this fact that they refused to bow before a golden idol erected by the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, even at the risk of being thrown into a “blazing furnace” (Daniel 3:15 NIV).

They boldly told the king, “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up” (Daniel 3:17-18 NIV).

All of us must come to the point where we value and seek God’s approval more than the world’s fame or riches.

Daily Scripture Reading:
Joshua 1-4