Seventh-Day Adventist Devotional For Children: “The Approval That Matters”

DAILY BREAD – DEVOTIONAL FOR CHILDREN

EASTERN NIGERIA UNION CONFERENCE CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Title: The Approval that Matters

“ For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” Galatians‬ ‭1:10‬‬‬‬

It will be easier for pigs to fly than to please men. This means that it is impossible to please people so we shouldn’t even bother trying. We were created by God to serve and please Him and that should be our sole priority.
There are so many instances around us and in the Bible where people have disobeyed God as a result of trying to please men and it has never ended well with them.

Let’s look at Saul in 1 Samuel 15 who disobeyed God’s command because he wanted to please his people and this led to God’s rejection of Saul as king.

Another story is about a little boy, Samuel who lives in a small village and loves playing the flute. He dreams of becoming a great musician. One day, the village held a talent show, and Samuel eagerly signed up to showcase his musical skills.

On the day of the competition, Samuel nervously stood on the stage, ready to perform. As he played his flute, he noticed some people in the audience were not impressed. Their frowns and whispers made him doubt his abilities. Samuel’s joy quickly turned into sadness, fearing he was not good enough.

There’s always a huge price to pay for pleasing men instead of God and the price to pay could be as huge as your Salvation. Therefore, let us strive to please God and as much as it possible for us to do, maintain a good relationship with others. Remember, God’s opinion of us is unchanging and unconditional. Seek His approval above all, for He loves us just the way we are. Let us come to the acceptance that our worth lies not in the world’s approval but in God’s immense love for us.

Thought for Reflection
In his letter to the Galatians, the apostle Paul reminds us of the importance of seeking the approval of God above all else. Sometimes, we may find ourselves seeking acceptance and validation from others, just like Samuel wanted to impress the audience. However, it is essential to remember that God’s opinion of us is what truly matters.

Through the story of Samuel, we can reflect on the significance of not allowing the opinions of others to define our self-worth. God has uniquely gifted each of us with talents and abilities. We should embrace who we are and use our gifts for His glory, regardless of other people’s approval or disapproval.

Song
Father, lead me day by day,
Ever in Thine own sweet way;
Teach me to be pure and true;
Show me what I ought to do.

May I do the good I know,
Be Thy loving child below,
Then at last go home to Thee,
Evermore Thy child to be.

Prayer :
“Dear God, thank you for creating us with unique talents and abilities. Help us to remember that our worth is not determined by what others say about us but by your unwavering love and acceptance. Grant us the strength and courage to use our gifts for your glory and to always seek your approval above all else. In Jesus’ name, amen.”