Approbation

"We cannot live and be happy without Approbation, but some boys and girls, men and women, choose to have the approval of the worthless and silly rather than of the wise and good. Some boys would rather talk and show off in a way to make the stable-yard laugh, than work and play in a way to win the approval of their betters. People can be vain and can show off about almost anything -- their rich relations, the parties they go to, their clothes, their pocket-knife, their cleverness. But when people show off, like a peacock spreading his tail, it is always in order that somebody whose good opinion is not worth having may think the better of them. Nice boys and girls, nice men and women, think well of us just for doing our best; we know that, and do not think of showing of before them. He is stupid who wants nobody's approval; he is vain who wants the approval of the unworthy." -Charlotte Mason, Ourselves

There is much to mull over and chew on in this passage, I think. Rightfully, many people, Christians especially, run from approbation of any kind. Any hint of approval or esteem is quickly avoided, for fear that we will become vain, proud man-fearers. Nevertheless, as Miss Mason points out, not all approbation is evil. To be commended and praised by good men for doing right is not a bad thing. Indeed, we often see Paul admiring the churches to whom he sends epistles. However, when we live for the approval of others, especially the wrong others, we go astray. When all is said and done with self in mind, rather than the glory of God, that is when we become vain.

Let us strive diligently for right, humbly lifting all praise to our Father.