Hi, my name is George. I am an approval addict. I desperately need the approval of others in order to feel good about myself. For years this has been an underlying motivation for my pastoral ministry. The funny thing is my lust for approval is not for that which comes from the congregation I pastor. I lust for the approval of denominational leaders and mentors.

Lust seems like a strong word, but I believe that it truly reflects a struggle that a pastor can have in his ministry. Our human tendency is to want to know that we are accomplishing something. One measurement of accomplishment was engrained in us as children. We know that we are doing right when we have the approval of our superiors. For those of us who never had such approval from our parents, we find ourselves lusting for such approval from an authority figure.

The difficulty arises when such approval is not given. That can be devastating. For example, a few years ago I attended a denominational meeting. I met a former instructor who asked me where I was pastoring. I told him where I served, to which he responded “Where is that?” After describing where my church was located, he stated flatly, “I guess that’s a mission field too.” That offhand comment ripped my heart out.  It took several weeks to regain my perspective.

So, how do I get over my addiction for the approval of others? How do I find contentment in where God has placed me? The scriptures have been a source of comfort and encouragement. Consider what Paul writes in Galatians concerning his ministry and the approval of the leaders in Jerusalem.

But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man—for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me.  (Galatians 2:6 NKJV)

Did you catch what Paul was saying? It made no difference to him what position the leaders in Jerusalem held.  They did not assist him in his ministry and calling. In God’s economy, He shows no personal favoritism to any man.

It really doesn’t matter what others feel or think about how I am doing as a pastor.  I need to wake up to the reality that those whose approval I seek, are not sitting around contemplating my ministry. They are busy carrying out the ministry that God has given them. I need to become indifferent to their approval. Even if approval were given, as sometimes is, I need to recognize that it does not satisfy the lust for approval. Rather, I need to seek the approval that only comes from being obedient to the Lord. It is an approval that can only come from the Savior.

Are you an approval addict?

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