Title: Finding Validation in God’s Kingdom and Righteousness
Introduction: The Search for Validation
In a world that constantly demands our attention, energy, and allegiance, the search for validation is a universal human experience. We all long to feel valued, accepted, and significant. For many, this search leads to seeking validation in external sources—relationships, career success, social status, or the approval of others. Yet, these sources often leave us feeling empty, insecure, and unfulfilled. The Bible offers us a radically different path: finding our validation in God and His kingdom. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” This verse invites us to reorient our lives, to find our worth and purpose not in the fleeting things of this world, but in the eternal and unchanging love of God.
Today, we will explore why seeking validation in men or personal success is ultimately unsatisfying, and how finding our identity in God and His kingdom brings true fulfillment, peace, and purpose.
I. The Emptiness of Seeking Validation in Men and Personal Success
The Illusion of Human Approval
Many of us seek validation through the approval of others—whether it’s a romantic partner, friends, family, or society at large. We crave their affirmation, their praise, and their acceptance. But human approval is fickle. People’s opinions change, their love can be conditional, and their validation is often based on our performance or appearance.
Proverbs 29:25 warns us, “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” When we seek validation from people, we set ourselves up for disappointment. We become trapped in a cycle of striving to meet others’ expectations, only to find that their approval is never enough.
The Futility of Personal Success
Others seek validation through personal success—career achievements, financial stability, or social status. While these things are not inherently bad, they make poor foundations for our identity. Success is temporary and can be taken away in an instant. It cannot satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts.
Ecclesiastes 2:11 reflects this truth: “Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.” King Solomon, who had everything—wealth, power, and wisdom—realized that without God, it was all meaningless.
The Burden of Comparison
When we seek validation in men or personal success, we inevitably fall into the trap of comparison. We measure ourselves against others, envying their achievements, relationships, or possessions. This comparison robs us of joy and leaves us feeling inadequate.
Galatians 6:4-5 reminds us, “Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.” Our worth is not determined by how we stack up against others, but by who we are in Christ.
II. The Eternal Foundation of God’s Kingdom and Righteousness
The Unchanging Love of God
Unlike human approval, God’s love for us is unchanging and unconditional. He does not love us because of what we do or achieve, but because of who He is. Romans 5:8 declares, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Our worth is rooted in the fact that we are deeply loved by our Creator.
When we find our validation in God’s love, we are freed from the need to prove ourselves. We can rest in the assurance that we are accepted, valued, and cherished, not because of our performance, but because of His grace.
The Security of God’s Promises
God’s kingdom is eternal, and His promises are sure. When we seek first His kingdom, we align ourselves with something that will never fade or fail. Matthew 6:19-21 reminds us, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
The treasures of this world—wealth, fame, success—are temporary. But the treasures of God’s kingdom—love, joy, peace, and eternal life—are everlasting. When we find our validation in God’s promises, we experience a security that nothing in this world can shake.
The Righteousness of Christ
One of the greatest gifts of the gospel is that we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ. When we place our faith in Jesus, His perfect righteousness is credited to us. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”
This means that our validation is not based on our own efforts or achievements, but on the finished work of Christ. We can stand before God, not in our own righteousness, but in the righteousness of Jesus. This truth liberates us from the pressure to prove ourselves and allows us to live in the freedom of God’s grace.
III. Living Out Our Identity in God’s Kingdom
Seeking First His Kingdom
Jesus calls us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” This means prioritizing God’s will above our own desires, ambitions, and plans. It means living with an eternal perspective, investing our time, talents, and resources in things that have lasting value.
Seeking God’s kingdom also means living in obedience to His Word. It means pursuing holiness, loving others, and sharing the gospel. When we align our lives with God’s purposes, we experience the joy and fulfillment that come from living in harmony with our Creator.
Resting in God’s Provision
Jesus promises that when we seek first His kingdom, “all these things will be added to you.” This does not mean that we will never face challenges or difficulties, but it does mean that God will provide for our needs. He is a faithful Father who cares for His children.
Philippians 4:19 assures us, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” When we trust in God’s provision, we are freed from the anxiety and striving that often accompany the pursuit of worldly success.
Walking in Freedom and Confidence
When we find our validation in God, we can walk in freedom and confidence. We no longer need to fear the opinions of others or the uncertainties of life. We can live boldly, knowing that our identity is secure in Christ.
Romans 8:31-32 declares, “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?” With God on our side, we have nothing to fear.
Conclusion: The Invitation to True Validation
The search for validation is a journey that every human being undertakes. But the world’s solutions—seeking approval from others or striving for personal success—are ultimately unsatisfying. They leave us empty, insecure, and burdened by comparison. The gospel offers us a better way: finding our validation in God and His kingdom.
When we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, we discover a love that is unchanging, a security that is unshakable, and a righteousness that is unearned. We are freed from the need to prove ourselves and can rest in the assurance that we are deeply loved, fully accepted, and eternally secure in Christ.
Today, I invite you to examine where you are seeking validation. Are you looking to men or personal success to fill the void in your heart? Or are you finding your worth and purpose in God and His kingdom? Let us choose the path that leads to true fulfillment, peace, and joy. Let us seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that He will provide all that we need.
As we close, let us pray:
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us unconditionally and for offering us a place in Your eternal kingdom. Help us to find our validation in You alone, and not in the fleeting things of this world. Teach us to seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, trusting in Your provision and resting in Your love. May we live boldly and confidently, knowing that our identity is secure in Christ. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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