Living for the approval of others

Hope Church is embracing new spiritual rhythms, specifically prayer and fasting, as a means to seek God’s presence and start the year with intentionality.

This message challenges the congregation to examine their motives, highlighting how easily our lives—even acts of generosity—can become performative if lived for the approval of others rather than God.

Referencing Matthew 6:1-4 (ESV), he unpacks Jesus’ teaching on giving in secret, emphasizing that God looks at the heart, not outward applause.

The central call is to pursue authentic relationship and approval from Christ alone, rather than slipping into the empty trap of people-pleasing or religious performance.