Aproval Trap

Years ago I used to use a self-image test that revealed if someone were caught in some type of self-image trap - finding our self-worth in something other than God.

One trap was called the Approval Trap, where a person finds their worth and value from the opinion of others. If others approve of them, they are happy about themselves. If others disapprove of their actions, they feel worthless.

This must have been the trap of many rulers in Israel during the time of Christ.

...even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
John 12:42-43

These "rulers" weren't real God-fearing leaders. Although they were in positions of authority, they cared more about what others said about them than about what God thought of them.

Pleasing, serving and loving others is good, as long as God gets the glory in the end. But to not "confess" Christ is always wrong.

Christ-loving and Spirit-filled leaders will stand up to those who disapprove of them in order to win the praise of God. They will follow John and Peter's example who respectfully told the ruling council (who ordered them to stop preaching the gospel):

But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. 20 For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
Acts 4:19-20

Live for an Audience of One - Live for the praise of God.
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