Approval

How many times have you been asked for approval? A better question how often do you seek others approval?
I have been growing my hair out since May. I finally have the ten inches I need to donate it it to Locks of Love. This is an organization which makes wigs for children who have lost their hair while undergoing cancer treatment. I am very excited about making this donation, but at the same time I am very nervous. I have really curly hair and I think it will go crazy when cut short. As much as I fear the outcome from getting rid of this much of my hair, it is something that I have been preparing myself for a while. I am actually eager to try a new hair cut. I have never had a professional haircut in my life. I have had many people share their opinions of my decision. I have hear that it will look great all the way to "you will look like a boy." Regardless of my outer appearance I know that hair will grow.
How does my hair problem provide some insight to you? Good question. It really doesn't directly, but the situation is similar to one of more importance. By getting this haircut I suddenly do not transform into a new person. I still remain Maggie. It is what makes me me that remains.
So often we try to seek people's approval in all areas of our life. We might not wear our favorite pair of sweatpants out of the house because of others' thoughts. We sometimes change our opinions because it might prevent us from getting the approval of someone we hardly know. Why do we rid so much on being accepted. Acceptance is something that everyone desires, but is that what we should hold on to with such importance. There have been times when I have felt strongly about a situation, but I have undertoned it to gain someone's approval.
In reality other people's approval does not matter. We should never settle our Faith or the way in which we show our love for Christ to get approval elsewhere. So what if someone sees you praying at the lunch table and thinks differently of you. You are standing up for your belief. "Am I now trying to win the approval of men or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10 NIV). Christ is the one we truly serve. It is his opinion that we should care most about. If we seek Christ's approval how much better would every situation be. If we approached every situation wondering what would please god the most would we not be making the right decisions? This is not a simple task. God's approval doesn't always match up with man's.
This is something I have been thinking about for while. Seeking God's approval is something that I want to achieve. I do not find this task to be easy, but I strive toward it.
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