Watch Me, Daddy

The other morning while at a coffee shop, I noticed a little boy and his father in the corner. The little boy was eating a muffin in a way only a little boy would. He would break the muffin into small pieces, and using the fork, he would launch them toward his mouth. I must admit, when I first saw this happening, I was sure the outcome would be ugly.

This little boy had amazing aim and patience. As his father read the newspaper across the table, the boy practiced. Finally confident in his new skill, he called out, “Watch me, Daddy!” The father put the paper aside momentarily and watched the boy as he fired three clean shots into his waiting mouth. His dad smiled and said “That’s amazing,” and then he gave him a fist bump. The little boy beamed with pride. Dad returned to his paper, and the boy picked up his muffin and ate the rest in 2 enormous bites, never taking the smile off his face.

Your father's approval means a lot to you when you are 4. It means a lot to me; I’m a few more than 4.

Recently at a meeting I was attending, I asked others at the meeting to think back to their earliest memory of striving for someone's approval. Then I asked them whose approval they were after. As they looked back in time, they came up with clear answers; some said, “My Mom,” and some clearly pictured it being their Dad. As the conversation continued, we realized there are lots of people over the years whom we wanted their approval. It also struck me in that conversation just how different our approach might be to getting the approval of Mom vs. the approval of Dad or a sibling.

15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)

Paul wrote to young Timothy and reminds him and us whose approval matters. For Paul, it was clear through his ministry, he sought the approval of Christ. To do the will of God was a single-minded vision for Paul. How about you? Who’s approval do you most seek?

18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. 2 Corinthians 10:18 (NIV)

There is a sign above my computer in my office as I type this that sums it all up:

You please God

it doesn’t matter who you displease.

You displease God

it doesn’t matter who you please.

Be Faithful!

I pray that today I can work not for men's approval but for my Father in Heaven. “Watch me, Daddy!”

<>< Craig