I had this thought the other day as I was listening to a podcast. Funny, the idea wasn’t in context with the talk. But, it was one of those reminder moments.
Let me give you some background. By nature, I’m a people pleaser. I like for everyone to be happy and don’t like it when I think someone is upset or angry with me. This stems from my childhood and the shadow of seeking parental approval. I’m not alone here; many men and women in my line of work have a similar struggle.
The battle is a constant tension about affirmation. Am I looking for approval from people, or am I living out of my approved relationship with Christ?
What came to mind were social applications. People spend a lot of time posting personal information/opinions and liking or commenting on someone else’s posts. A social app is a glimpse into a darker part of life. People post for a reaction. Either they want comments, likes, or shares. Let’s be honest. Everyone checks for the number of likes on a post. We desire acknowledgment and validation – to be liked. This “social” life is a snapshot of the inward struggle in “real” life.
So, what was the thought as I was listening to the podcast? Do I spend life trying to be liked, or do I live from knowing I am loved? Do I live for, or do I live from? Living the “like” is a roller coaster. When we define our worth by the opinion of someone else, it will wreck your day or life. But, if I live from knowing I am loved by God, that knowledge can overcome the moments when we feel unliked.
There’s another benefit. When I live from love – the knowledge of God’s love – I live with confidence. Not a belief in myself, but trust in God.
So what about you, do you live for the like? Or, do you live from the knowing? I’d suggest the knowing.
