The Honor of His Approval

What looks uninviting to the world often leads to hidden treasures in God’s will.

Devotional Credit: Days of Heaven by A.B. Simpson
Photo Credit: Unsplash

A.B. Simpson reminds us that the world’s values are often turned upside down from God’s perspective. In Matthew 6:25, Jesus tells us not to worry about the things that dominate earthly concerns, for life is much more than what we eat, drink, or wear. In the same way, Simpson points out that God delights to use the things and people that the world rejects. The names “Nazarene” and “Christian” were once slurs of contempt, yet they became titles of honor in the Kingdom. God is not looking for those the world praises, but for those who are yielded to Him.

Simpson observes that popularity can be more dangerous than reproach. To be embraced by the world yet outside of God’s will is a tragedy greater than being despised for Christ. Many of the Lord’s richest blessings lie hidden behind what looks like opposition, prejudice, or rejection. Those who live for human approval will never find them. But those who live for His smile discover treasures that cannot be measured by earthly standards.

The Holy Spirit does not shrink from using those who are looked down upon, for He delights to magnify the life of Jesus in what the world deems weak and unimpressive. If He is not ashamed, why should we be? Our calling is not to seek applause, but to faithfully walk wherever He leads, even when the way is rough or misunderstood.

The promise is sure: those who bear His reproach will one day be openly acknowledged before heaven and earth. What matters most is not whether our generation approves of us, but whether the Lord Himself is pleased. In that, there is true honor.

Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture

My child, do not measure your worth by the world’s scales. You are precious to Me because you belong to My Son. I chose what the world considers foolish to shame the wise, and what it calls weak to display My power. When you follow Me outside the camp, bearing the reproach of Jesus, you are walking the same path He walked.

Do not fear when others misunderstand you. My approval is greater than their disapproval. To be accepted by the world while standing apart from My will is emptiness. To be despised by men while walking in union with Me is fullness. The world may pass by with scorn, but I see you, and I delight in expressing My life through you.

Remember that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory to be revealed. One day your name will be acknowledged before all creation, not because of your achievements, but because you are in My Son and He is in you. Until then, rest in My approval, and know that to be used by Me is the highest honor you can bear.

Scripture References: Matthew 6:25, 1 Corinthians 1:27-29, Hebrews 13:13, Galatians 1:10, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Romans 8:18, Matthew 10:32, Philippians 3:8-10, 1 Peter 4:13-14.

Real-Life Analogy

Think of a road sign posted in front of a quiet country lane. To most drivers, the sign looks uninviting, maybe even warning them away with words like “rough road ahead.” But those who ignore the sign and venture down the path often find a hidden clearing, a beautiful overlook, or a peaceful place unknown to the crowds. In much the same way, God’s richest blessings often stand just beyond the world’s warnings and scorn.

Today, when I face the temptation to seek approval or avoid reproach, I can quietly yield and say, “Lord, I trust You to live Your life through me, even if it leads me down an unpopular path.” That is the way to His hidden treasures, where His smile outweighs every voice of disapproval.

Prayer of Confidence

Lord, I thank You that Your approval is all I need. I rejoice that You use what the world overlooks, and that in Jesus I am honored to share in His reproach. I rest in the truth that to be used by You is greater than any human praise. I embrace the freedom of knowing that Your delight is my portion, and I trust You to lead me into Your will, no matter how it appears to others.