John 12:37-43

APPROVAL OF MEN

Eric, Joey, Brian B., Craig, Bryan G., Jason, Brandon, and Ryan met at my home every Friday before school from 9th grade until they graduated for a time of Bible study and to learn to become Christian leaders in their high school. We had a blast together. If anyone missed, they got a donut in their locker (in their shoe, in their book, in their sports bag). "The Guys" made some strong commitments to each other and to God. Although they went to public school where drinking was cool and sex was rampant, they made a pact not to drink and to treat girls with respect. They weren't invited to the "fun" parties at the lake. People often called them names behind their back. Their Senior year in high school four of them were elected football captains, three lead the basketball team, two lead the golf team, one receiving the School Spirit award, one was chosen Most Outstanding Senior. The school won the All Sports Trophy for the Conference because they pulled the school together like glue. The approval of men was not their worry. The approval of God was far more important. The school will never be the same.

Questions: 1. Why is the approval of men often more valued than the approval of God? 1. How do grown-ups struggle with prioritizing man's approval over God's? 1. Why is God's approval more important? 1. What can you do today to go after God's approval?

Lifeline: Let's bind this family for God's approval.