The Golden State Warriors were already NBA Champions before former league MVP Kevin Durant became a free agent and joined them. Now they’ve won back to back titles and he’s been named the MVP in both Finals.

Although fans and the media have taken notice of his abilities on the court, and consider him a top player in the league, Durant has been looking for validation from his peers since leaving the Thunder.

Tim Kawakami from The Athletic wrote about the 2016 meeting where the Warriors’ key players convinced Kevin they wanted him. In the story, Durant revealed how much that meant to him and explained what he was looking for:

“I needed that validation from my peers and teams and GMs, people that are really into the game, to really help me feel good about myself and help me feel confident and let me know that what I was doing was working.”

Durant’s desire for approval from those involved in the NBA is worth unpacking because we can all relate to wanting validation from our peers. Whether we’re working at our job…or serving at our church…or leading in our home, having our gifts and talents embraced and accepted by others is personally rewarding.

I confess to regularly seeking affirmation and validation from readers, listeners, and donors. However, I recognize that God’s approval is most important and we must seek to keep that our priority. Our focus needs to be on pleasing Him more than anyone else and being affirmed by Him because our heart is in the right place.

We are reminded of this in 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT): “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive His approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”

Our ultimate acceptance comes from receiving God’s offer of salvation. When we do, we’re validated because of Jesus. We can then rest in that truth so that our need for others’ approval and acceptance diminish.

Romans 5:1 (NLT) says, “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.”

Today, let’s praise God for allowing us to be accepted, welcomed, and embraced by Him. Let’s allow that life-changing hope to give us all the confidence we need to live a life that’s pleasing to Him.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m sorry I worry so much about receiving validation and acceptance from others. I pray I would have peace in knowing I’ve been made right with You because of my faith in Jesus. It’s in His name I pray, Amen.