Living For Others Approval OR God's

James 1:20 (NIV) says, "...human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."

This can be a hard scripture to digest.  When we are hurt, disappointed, disillusioned, broken hearted...our emotions can and usually do turn into anger. 

In trying to live a life unto the Lord, we would assume that everyone will see how hard we try and give us our due "praise".  Certainly, in the least, you will become a role model of how one can live and you will encourage others that if you can do it, anyone can.  Knowing all your weaknesses and short comings, they should see how hard this is for you and be your greatest supporter(s).  

BUT

Instead of praise and support, you get accused of living a life judging others and being out of touch with reality.  Some will say you think you are better than others and when you speak, you put a bad taste in their mouths.  When you are trying to encourage, you get accused of bullying and being pushy.  When you don't pursue because of trying not to offend, you get accused of not loving enough.  If you pursue too much, you get accused of trying to make everyone, just like you.  

So, you go and start thinking about the accusations and misconceptions.  It starts out as hurt and a little disbelief that someone could think these things about you.  Then that hurt turns into self doubt about how you live and if it is truly worth it.  Self doubt turns into anger and "self" rises up, able to destroy any good that you have done.  Wanting to lash out at those who have failed to truly see your heart.  

That's where James 1:20 comes into play.  We have to remind ourselves that to lash out in anger will only destroy.  

You have to live your life like Joseph.  You live your life to serve and please the LORD.  Doing everything you can to walk the path He has set before you. Loving others is part of that.  

When Joseph was pursued by Potiphar's wife, He said in Genesis 39:9, "...how then could I do this sinful thing, and sin against God?"  Joseph lived to please the LORD, no matter what temptation or how many bad things happened to him.  

So as Mother Teresa said, 

“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. 

Forgive them anyway. 

If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. 

Be kind anyway. 

If you are honest, people may cheat you. 

Be honest anyway. 

If you find happiness, people may be jealous. 

Be happy anyway. 

The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow.

Do good anyway. 

Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. 

Give your best anyway. 

For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. 

It was never between you and them anyway.” 
― Mother Teresa

If you are hurt, disillusioned, broken hearted, feel forgotten, unappreciated, unloved...know that God is loving you.  He sees, He knows, He cares.  Let His love wash over you today.  Now is a good time to focus on Him and be embraced by His grace.  

Old gate at Wintethur Museum, DE
Wonderful place.