Sunday Highlights
I was really hoping I was gonna catch a break this week on the “Empty Promises” series… you know, take a little breather since last week’s message about the idol of success was such a kick-in-the-pants for me, but N O P E. No.
“Addicted to Approval” hit me right between the eyes, and so… yes I’m feeling pretty beat up from both directions right now.
But seriously, this series couldn’t be more critical for all of us. There are so many things that we allow to take the place of God in our lives. How beautiful would it be if we could replace our idols with a relentless passion for Him?
Addicted to Approval by Pete Wilson
Genesis 29:16-25
There is no human being out there capable of meeting all your emotional needs for love and acceptance.
We struggle with the addiction of needing approval or acceptance from the people around us.
You get absolutely paralyzed by rejection.
On a scale of 1 to 10, gauge yourself on your need for approval:
- I constantly worry about what others might be thinking of me.
- I do not do certain things because other people may not approve.
- I continually play back criticisms in my head.
- I get anxious when I think someone might be upset with me.
- I stop myself from speaking up when I think someone won’t agree with me.
- I find myself consistently disappointed in other people because they don’t meet my expectations.
- When I’m hurt or upset it’s always someone else’s fault.
- I can’t say no to people even if it costs the people who deeply care about me.
Approval addicts are:
1) Destined for mediocrity
Romans 12:1-2
You always have to follow the herd to maintain approval.
2) Destined for exhaustion
Colossians 3:1-4
Do you want to be loved or do you want to be loving? Loving doesn’t mean that you seek to meet the approval of all the people around you.
Someone else’s approval does not define your worth or your value.
3) Destined for guilt and rejection
Instead of finding worth and value in your Creator, you’ve lent your heart out to others. You look for others to adopt your heart.
You live with so much guilt and shame, you constantly try to hide from God.
Psalm 139:23-24
Psalm 139: 1-4
You need to know that God loves you. You can not lose your value in God’s eyes.
Romans 5:8
It's always great to be part of a series that reminds us who we really are. It's a shock and wake up call…More like a reminder. We all get rapped up in the things we do and are convinced that is who we are…I am just glad and feel so fortunate for the undeserving Grace, Mercy and Love God gives us… Thanks for posting Jenn! Hope you guys enjoyed Chi town and the story conference.
Jenni, this is a great wrap-up…and I love the sermon series video trailer. I'm sure you work hard behind the scenes to pull these things off–it's really excellent! And what a great set of points that's so convicting! Looking forward to meeting you at Catalyst….