Approval Addiction Part 13

From now on, when people say something unkind about you, respond by saying to yourself, or to them if appropriate, "I don't identify with that."

See yourself as complete in Christ. You will feel relaxed. You will be encouraged to press toward what you already know is yours, but in your pressing you won't feel pressured. If a person knows he has money in the bank, and he wishes to withdraw some of it, he gets into his car and presses toward the bank; he does not feel in the least bit pressured, because he already knows that what he needs is there and belongs to him.

If you can understand and believe what I am sharing, then you will stop feeling that you need something all the time. The longing in your heart will be satisfied with the knowledge that you already have acceptance from G.o.d. And most important, you will no longer need approval from people to feel whole. Approval addicts can only be set free from the need for approval by knowing that G.o.d already approves of them and by realizing that His approval makes them complete! We do not have to struggle to be right with people if we already know we are right with G.o.d. We know we need to grow and keep changing as G.o.d works in us, but we don't have to be upset about where we are now while we are making progress. As I always say, "I'm not where I need to be, but thank G.o.d I'm not where I used to be. I'm OK and I'm on my way!"

Jesus desires that you feel whole, complete, and satisfied.

Jesus desires that you feel whole, complete, and satisfied. He does not want you to be tormented by the disapproval of people, but rather He wants you to rejoice in His approval. He loves you! You are a special, unique individual, and He has a wonderful plan for your life. Don't let people or the devil steal it from you. Look away from all that will distract you unto Jesus Who is the Author and Finisher of your faith (See Hebrews 12:2).

Meditate on your position in Christ according to G.o.d's Word, not according to what people think and say about you. Remember that people had terrible things to say about Jesus, and they rejected Him, yet the Bible says, "The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone" (Psalm 118:22).

Many of my former critics have applied for jobs to work on my staff. One man actually said, "Had I known how your future was going to turn out, I would have treated you better when you were a n.o.body."

I believe G.o.d is doing something wonderful in you and will continue to do something wonderful through you. Your critics may live to see the day when they wish they had treated you better while you were still in the process of "becoming" all that G.o.d wants you to be.

Live to please G.o.d, not people. You have His approval, and that is all you really need!

About The Author.

JOYCE MEYER has been teaching the Word of G.o.d since 1976 and in full-time ministry since 1980. She is the bestselling author of more than sixty inspirational books, including In Pursuit of Peace, How to Hear from G.o.d, Knowing G.o.d Intimately, and Battlefield of the Mind. She has also released thousands of teaching ca.s.settes and a complete video library. Joyce's Enjoying Everyday Life radio and television programs are broadcast around the world, and she travels extensively conducting conferences. Joyce and her husband, Dave, are the parents of four grown children and make their home in St. Louis, Missouri.

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