For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure. Deuteronomy 7:6 (NLT)
Have you ever noticed how badly children want approval? When mine were little and they wanted to show me something, they used to jump up and down saying, “Look at me, dad!” Often, I’d just watch them for a second before going back to what I was doing, but they weren’t satisfied unless they had my full attention.
Then they’d do something, and as soon as they were done, they’d look back at me expectantly. What were they looking for? Approval.
God designed us to need it. Actually, approval is what turns your potential into useable ability.
When kids don’t get approval from their parents, it’s damaging. They need to know that mom and dad love them always, not just when they do something right, but even when they disapprove of that child’s behaviour.
This is important because—ideally—parents model what God is like. Kids first look to their parents for unconditional love and approval. Then they learn to get approval from God.
The good news is, no matter what kind of parenting you received, you can make this transition and come to rely on God’s approval. This unconditional approval from God is what helps turn your potential into reality. You can begin to get your self-worth from what God thinks about you—He treasures you unconditionally—and then you’ll begin to believe you can achieve great things.
Today, focus on the fact that God approves of you. Rest in that fact, and then let it inspire and empower you to turn your potential into ability.