All Access

Well said. I was doing this exact study when God used His infinite humor to remind me to focus on what He does: the heart.

I was running late one morning. I had three children under the ages of six and I was a little frazzled as we readied for school. My youngest, Mary Mac (2), decided to wear her brother’s houndstooth, doublebreasted coat. It covered her head to toe and certainly didn’t match the pink bow which matched the pink corduroy dress which matched her pink buckled shoes.

Because we were in a hurry, I let her wear the too big coat, thinking that I would just explain to her teacher later that allowing Mary Mac to wear the coat that engulfed her was better than the monkey fit she would throw in the driveway.

Arriving to school, I handed her in all of her bulk over the half door of her classroom. The teacher took off the coat and around my child’s neck like her prized Cinderella necklace was a pair of my RATTY, ELASTICALLY-CHALLENGED UNDERWEAR. The kind leftover from maternity days that are so comfortable but your husband absolutley despises. Nice.

I was embarassed, especially when the teacher removed my undergarments and then handed them to me for all to see.

That day my quiet time was on the passage you mentioned above. God used it as a reminder to me that I was focusing too much on the outside appearances of myself and my children rather than focusing on what matters most, the heart we have for Him.

Lesson learned. And that day, I made sure my undewear was placed in a drawer far out of reach.

What a timely reminder for me! I too seem to get caught up in the whole approval of men vicious cycle - especially when it comes to my mothering capabilites. Going to gain sustenance and approval from my Lord right now. Have a blessed day!

This gets a hearty AMEN from this chick today, Melanie!

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t struggle with this in one way or another and it is so hard to plow through.

Just making this same realization myself. Fun stuff!

Thanks Melanie for such a timely word for me! I have been really caught up wondering how I should act in a certain situation and I have “thought” about it to death! Thanks for reminding me that I need to act like Jesus would act and not focus on what people will think.

I love the different perspectives that a study can bring out in each of our lives. I remember that particular study and how I wanted God to show me how to wait on Him instead of becoming impatient and plowing through with my own intentions in mind. Sometimes, I sort of have a chuckle with God over this approval of man issue because when I observe other people checking out my outfit or watching me while I talk to them, I remember that I’m created by Him to be capturing His attention and His alone. Some of my favorite verses on this topic are Galations 1:10 “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.” And 1 Samuel 16:7 “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.â€?

Amen, Sister! I love that story…so convicting! Are you familiar with the David Crowder Band song, “Undignified”? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQeNVXY6ZIc Love it!

One of the hardest things about any Bible study (other than having the discipline to finish it) is being willing to share what God’s doing in your life through it. Thanks for being vulnerable with us!

Melanie,

My dear friend Stacy and I just finished lunch together as we discussed our “No Other Gods” homework. Your blog hit on the major points she and I are dealing with. For Stacy, it’s waiting for God to answer in her situation. For me, it’s wanting the approval of others. It never ceases to amaze me how the Body of Christ is so much alike. We struggle with the same problems, weaknesses and issues. It is so wonderful we can come together through modern technology and across many miles to support one another. How appropriate for God to use you to speak to all of us.

Oh Melanie! That hit the target on me today. What good Southern Mama would send their children out in anything less than the best? And yet it’s all meaningless in the big picture and such an artificial source of stress.

Joni’s comment had me laughing out loud, literally. And Amy’s comment is a blessing to me as well.

Thank you, sisters!

I loved this! Thank you for this beautiful reminder about waiting on the Lord to fulill HIS calling on our lives, and for the encouragement to celebrate Him - no matter who is looking!

Thank you for your post. This is something I really struggle with, and I need to be reminded often that God’s approval, not man’s approval (or actually WOMAN’S approval) is what I need to be seeking!!

Wonderful blog. Thanks so much for your insight and willingness to share. I can see Jesus in you.