Whose Approval?

Cam Newton is one of the most celebrated and criticized players in the NFL right now. He’s the league MVP who dazzled fans all season long with his tremendous play and energetic personality, while also gaining “haters” along the way. Cam was the main subject of conversation before the Super Bowl and remains in the center of discussions afterward. Many people don’t appreciate the way he handled his press conference following the game. He was clearly upset about losing and didn’t give the answers the media was hoping for. He got up before it was over, which created plenty of backlash, and he was also questioned by fans and media about not diving on a fumble during the 4th quarter. His response to the recent criticism was, "I don’t have to conform to anybody else’s wants for me. I’m not that guy. And I’m happy to say that."  That is certainly a bold answer and not the corporate/quarterback one you normally hear. Sure, he still has some maturing to do and should grow from the Super Bowl experience, but I appreciate the depth and truth behind that statement. Regardless of your view on Cam’s behavior, I think we can learn something from what he said. We all sometimes feel the pull from society, family, co-workers, friends, or our significant other to live up to a certain expectation that’s been established. When we don’t act exactly the way our neighbors, brothers, or friends do or approach something differently than our co-workers, we face criticism too. The Bible (Paul) says in Galatians 1:10, “I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant.” Ultimately, the opinion we should be most concerned about is God’s. People have their own flawed view of what standard you and I should live up to in order to receive their approval. Thankfully we don’t have to ride the emotional roller coaster of trying to get everyone to “okay” all of our decisions, but instead, we should stay focused on how God views us. Are we pleasing Him? Are we reflecting His character? Or is our behavior based on the response of the people we want to fit in with and desire to impress? Today, let’s be encouraged to serve Jesus by pleasing Him in the way we live and the way we put an emphasis on His approval…instead of everyone else's. I'm Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!