The Approval of Men

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

Humans crave acceptance. We look for groups where we fit in... places that we feel like we belong. I believe that God made us this way, that we might find acceptance and unity in Christ, and through it, encourage and build each other up in the faith. Regardless of whether you believe there is any benefit to be gained from attending church services regularly, Satan knows that there is... and he does everything he can to divide us and prevent us from building real community.

Satan tells us that our sins are far too great... that if these people around us knew our deepest darkest secrets, that they wouldn't accept us. We parade around with painted smiles, in the hopes that no one will notice that we don't belong. Could this be any farther from the truth?! God tells us, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV) What a relief!

We must resist the temptation to hide our faults, lest we become like whitewashed tombs (Matthew 23:27, NIV). Instead, we should boast in our weakness, and praise the One whose mercy and grace gives us life, that those around us might be encouraged that their sins don't separate them from us... rather, they bond us together...

²³for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Romans 3:23-24 (NIV)

The people around you struggle with sin just as much as you do. Resist Satan, and be an encouragement to those around you by sharing your weaknesses. Many of you have heard an inspiring story or sermon that demonstrated the power of God's grace to change lives... your story is no less inspiring! Often, we are like Moses, and we fear that we won't know what to say.

¹¹The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? ¹²Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."

Exodus 4:11-12 (NIV)

Set your selfish fears aside... for God is faithful. His power is made perfect in our weakness. Think of those around you... are they feeling like they don't belong, that they are the only ones who don't seem to have it all together? Don't be afraid to share your struggles and remove their doubts ... not that you DON'T belong, but that they DO.

Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin’ so small

Cause when I take a look around
Everybody seems so strong
I know they’ll soon discover
That I don’t belong

So I tuck it all away, like everything’s okay
If I make them all believe it, maybe I’ll believe it too
So with a painted grin, I play the part again
So everyone will see me the way that I see them

Chorus:
Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
And smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation’s open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade

Is there anyone who’s been there
Are there any hands to raise
Am I the only one who’s traded
In the altar for a stage

The performance is convincing
And we know every line by heart
Only when no one is watching
Can we really fall apart

But would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
That you imagine me to be

Would your arms be open
Or would you walk away
Would the love of Jesus
Be enough to make you stay

Chorus

Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin’ so small

Casting Crowns
"Stained Glass Masquerade"
Lifesong