Overview of the Approval Oriented Friend.

Seen in Action.

Characteristics we often see in an approval oriented friend.

Others’ Experience.

From Approval Oriented to Authentic.

What it might look like not to be an approval oriented.

Twisted.

It is difficult, and sometimes frightening, not to have the good opinion or others.

Allowing Psalm 118 to help us take steps toward authenticity.

Vss. 1-4

Vs. 5

Vs. 6.

Vss. 7-8

Vs. 13-14

Vss. 15-17.

Vs. 25.

Vs. 29.

No longer dependent on others’ approval.

Our joy is not dependent on others’ approval, our joy finds a home in pleasing God because____________________________________________________.

We conclude that if God blesses us with the approval of men, we will thank God for it. On the other hand, if following God results in the displeasure of men, we will thank God that we have been ____________________________________________.

Giving rather than getting - desiring to give approval.

Areas where special help may be needed.

Expressing an opinion, stating a preference and making a decision.

Commitments and scheduling.

Others’ Experience.

Additional Resources:

Priolo, Lou (2007). Pleasing People. Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R.

Welch, Edward (1997). When People Are Big and God Is Small. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing

Baker, Amy (2014). Picture Perfect: When Life Doesn’t Line Up. Greensboro, NC: New Growth Press.

Baker, Amy (2016). Why Do I Care: When Others’ Approval Matters Too Much. Greensboro, NC: New Growth Press.