A truly strong person does not need the approval of others any more than a lion needs the approval of sheep.
Vernon Howard
Recently, I chose to turn off the notifications from social media on my phone. Mainly because it was becoming a distraction. Every time someone liked or commented I would glance at my phone then catch myself browsing longer than what I wanted to be.
Thinking on the functionality of notifications led me to believe that all though a good thing, it can affect us emotionally and in various ways. I believe social media can mislead people to believe that other’s opinion on wether they like, approve, or ignore a post actually provides any significant approval or affirmation.
This type of deceptive affirmation can become a dependency if completely entrusted for approval of what we do or who we are. The approval we seek from other people has the power to mislead our personal perception creating in us false feelings of fear and insecurity because our purpose was not appointed by the people. I refuse to allow the publics “likes” or lack thereof control my emotions much less become my source for confidence.
“You cannot please everyone” is a common phrase, however my intention has never been to be a people pleaser, but to try to live accordingly to the will of God. I can Live without the Likes.
During the ministry of Jesus he never folded to the request of the people to prove who He claimed to be. Even though everyone demanded proof of who he was and where he came from. Who delegated his authority to make such claims; naming himself the Son of God.
Jewish law believed that the expected Messiah would need to perform four specific miracles to validate as the true savior. The four messianic miracles consisted of: cleansing of a leper, healing one who was born blind, casting out a demon possessed who was mute, and resurrecting a death after the third day (when they considered a confirmed death).
Jesus performed miracles similar to these in many cases, but in the laws belief they did not meet the requirement of the messianic miracles, therefore it did not correlate to his message. Continuously he was asked for signs referring to the messianic miracles, but he refused to prove to them anything because they did not believe in him or who he really was. They all wanted proof. They all relied on facts and not faith.
What they did not understand was that Jesus’s approval was given to him at his baptismal. In that moment the skies opened and the voice of God came from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17 His authority did not come from the validation of the people; His Father was already well pleased with him before the public witnessed him perform any miracles. It was never in his agenda to compete with anyone much less prove himself because he knew where his approval came from.
He was tempted to prove his authority and his power many times, but understood his purpose did not come from people so there was no need to prove anything to anyone. The creator did not require such accreditation from the creation. Forty days and nights in the desert he was tempted by the devil to use his authority outside the will of God. Throughout his ministry the teachers and law makers including his own disciples demanded to see signs. On the cross he was tempted to remove himself if he was who he claimed to be.
Do you need others approval? Here is why you do not, they did not give their life for you. Your value is not determined by other people, but it was already given on the cross. Jesus does not share with us our insecurities, fears, and dependency of others acceptance.
You are enough even if the people say you are not, you are created by the Divine creator even if no one likes it, you are truly loved even if it feels as if no one loves you because your purpose was predetermined by the God that created the people.
It is possible to Live without the Likes.
Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.
John 6:27
iNspired 2 iNspire 