For your approval

On Sunday while praying with my kids I listened as this generation was crying out for a genuine experience with God. The simplicity of their prayers brought me back to Paul's words to the people of God. It's time to keep things in perspective, the only thing that is of any importance is living in the approval of God. In 1Thessalonians 2:4 it says, "We have been approved by God." We don't serve God because we need His approval, we serve Him because He has already approved of us once we've accepted His call. Who we are in Christ is more important than what we do for Him. Nothing else matters! As for the church,It's time to get back to basics. Come to God as a little child. Here's a big question, "When did marketing, advertising, scorekeeping, fundraising, etc. become more important than knowing God, loving God, growing in God and making Him known?" Our approval should not rise and fall upon other people's opinions. People will only accept us as long as we keep them happy but God loves at all times. Live freely knowing that you are not a slave to people's fleeting affections, but you belong to God.