Coming to terms with 'Approva-holism' - by Toni Babcock

"Let us not be desirous of vain glory," (Galatians 5:26a KJV) 

If I belonged to an AA program, mine would have to be Approva-holics Anonymous. Why? Because at my ripe old age (which I decline to divulge) I have come to an uncomfortable conclusion: in this flesh I will always be tempted to compromise something I believe in, or a part of who I am, in order to imbibe in the seductive spirits of human approval. Whether or not I stop being intoxicated with gaining approval at any cost, doesn't change my natural proclivity towards this awful addiction. I stand and confess humbly, and without hesitation, "I am an approva-holic," knowing full well that God cannot fix what I do not acknowledge. 

Only upon confession of what I am in the flesh, and acceptance of who I am in Jesus by grace through faith, will God's remedy in Christ take immediate effect, and the stronghold of illegitimate approval broken. I may at times fall off the wagon trying to gain approval in destructive ways, but God's remedy will always remain the same: acknowledge the problem, confess what I am in the flesh, accept who I am in Christ, and find genuine approval in Him. 

As Christians whose lives are hid with Christ, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus, no matter what the cost. Our confidence must be grounded in Christ and His Word, and remain firm.
"If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another," (Galatians 5:25-26 KJV). In short, we must learn to desire God's glory above all else. 

Toni is the author of an excellent book entitled The Stone Writer which can be read for free in our Free Reads for Reviews program. Contact