Taking Your Eyes Off Man and Putting Them on God

In our daily lives, it’s easy to get caught up in what others think of us or how they perceive our actions. We often seek validation, approval, and affirmation from people around us, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy, disappointment, and even discouragement. However, there’s a higher calling and a more fulfilling path: taking our eyes off man and putting them on God.

The Pitfall of Seeking Approval from Man

 When we focus on pleasing people, we can lose sight of our true purpose and identity in Christ. The desire for human approval can become a snare, leading us to compromise our values and beliefs. Galatians 1:10 says, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” 

Paul’s words remind us that our primary aim should be to please God, not people. When we seek God’s approval above all, we find freedom from the pressures and expectations of others. 

The Benefits of Focusing on God 

1. True Identity and Worth: Understanding that our worth comes from God and not from human validation is liberating. We are fearfully and wonderfully made, created in His image.  Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Embracing this truth helps us to see ourselves through God’s eyes, which is far more significant than any human approval.

1. Unwavering Guidance and Wisdom: When we look to God, we receive divine guidance and wisdom that surpasses human understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” By trusting in God, we are led on the right path, avoiding the pitfalls that come from relying solely on human advice.

1. Peace and Contentment: Focusing on God brings a deep sense of peace and contentment, knowing that He is in control and His plans for us are good. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This peace guards our hearts against the anxieties that often accompany the quest for human approval.

1. Purpose and Direction: God has a unique purpose for each of us. When we focus on Him, we align ourselves with His plans and purposes, which are far greater than anything we could achieve on our own. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Trusting in God’s plan gives our lives direction and meaning.

Taking our eyes off man and putting them on God transforms our lives. It frees us from the endless pursuit of human approval and aligns us with God’s perfect will for us. By focusing on God, we find our true identity, receive divine guidance, experience peace, and discover our purpose. Let’s commit to seeking God’s approval above all and trust that in doing so, we will be fully satisfied and fulfilled.

There were several individuals in the Bible who sought the approval of man rather than God, often leading to negative consequences. Here are a few notable examples:

1. King Saul is a prominent example of someone who sought the approval of people over obedience to God.1 Samuel 15:24 recounts Saul’s admission after he disobeyed God’s command: “Then Saul said to Samuel, ‘I have sinned. I violated the Lord’s command and your instructions. I was afraid of the men and so I gave in to them.’” Saul’s desire to please his soldiers and avoid their disapproval led him to disobey God’s direct command, resulting in God rejecting him as king.

 2. Pontius Pilate

, the Roman governor, is another example. Despite recognizing Jesus’ innocence, Pilate succumbed to the pressure of the crowd demanding Jesus’ crucifixion. Mark 15:15 says, “Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged and handed him over to be crucified.” Pilate’s decision to please the crowd rather than act justly led to the wrongful crucifixion of Jesus. 

 3. The Pharisees and Jewish Leaders Many Pharisees and Jewish leaders sought human approval and feared losing their status and authority. John 12:42-43 highlights this: “Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God.” Their fear of losing their position and the approval of their peers prevented them from openly following Jesus. 

So, in conclusion these examples illustrate the dangers of prioritizing human approval over God’s commands. The consequences of such choices often lead to disobedience, injustice, and missed opportunities to fulfill God’s purpose. As believers, we are called to seek God’s approval above all else, trusting that His ways are higher and better than the fleeting praise of man. My question to you today is whose approval are you seeking?

Let’s us pray:

Heavenly Father, I come before You today with a humble heart, seeking Your guidance and strength. In a world where the approval of others often seems so important, I ask for Your help to shift my focus to what truly matters—seeking Your approval above all else. Lord, help me to remember that my worth and identity are found in You alone. Remind me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, created in Your image and loved unconditionally by You. When I am tempted to seek validation from others, gently redirect my heart towards Your everlasting love and acceptance. Father, grant me the courage to stand firm in my faith, even when it means going against the crowd. Fill me with the boldness to live according to Your Word and Your will, regardless of what others may think or say. Let my actions and decisions be guided by a desire to please You and bring glory to Your name. Help me to trust in Your plan for my life, knowing that Your ways are higher and better than my own. When I face pressure to conform to the expectations of others, remind me of the example of Jesus, who lived to do Your will, even when it was difficult. May His life inspire me to seek Your approval above all. Lord, I ask for discernment to recognize when I am seeking human approval over Yours. Give me wisdom to make choices that honor You, and fill me with peace that surpasses all understanding, knowing that Your opinion is the only one that truly matters. Surround me with a community of believers who will encourage and support me in my walk with You. Let us spur one another on towards love and good deeds, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Father, thank You for Your constant love and guidance. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to You, seeking Your approval in all that I do. May my heart be fully devoted to You, and may my life be a testament to Your grace and truth. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.