Often when we watch talent shows such as X Factor, people audition in order to gain praise and approval of the judges so that they can get through to the next round. Their goal is to be accepted and liked by them so that they could have a chance of winning the show. However, not every talented person who auditions are accepted as the show has its own standards and criteria. Therefore the people auditioning often change their style or image in order to be accepted by the standards of the show. There are some people who leave feeling crushed and disheartened if the judges reject them or criticise their singing voices.

The approval of humans and societal standards should not define who we are or what we do. In this world, standards always change.

In the 1950's, the media defined curvy, fuller figured women as attractive. In today's society, the media portray beauty as being thin and publish computerised, airbrushed images which affect the self-esteem of many women. If we feel the need to constantly change ourselves to conform to man-made standards, we will never feel satisfied or fulfilled.

The only standard we should strive to seek is God's standard, which is not biased, shallow or critical. His standards are loving, uplifting, fulfilling and unchanging. What is more important is how we are perceived in God's eyes, which is always positive.

God doesn't want us to change who we are. He knew us before we were born and loves our unique characteristics.

The standards of the world do not bring any glory to God. Therefore, God doesn't want us to conform to the ways or standard of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds so that we can achieve the acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2).

God takes us as we are and He will never reject us. God wants us to desire to please Him and put every effort into doing right by His sight so that He could be proud of us. He knows that we are not perfect and readily accepts us. He also accepts our every effort to please Him and He rewards us for what we have done (Psalm 62:12).

All God wants is our hearts to be set on Him. Our goal should be to please God wherever we are (2 Corinthians 5:9). Therefore we should be focused on living and seeking the attention and glory of God and not of ourselves or others. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says that whatever we do must be for the glory of God. This means that all our daily happenings, thoughts, plans and deeds should be for the glory and honour of God.

Don't seek approval from others; desire to live and do right in the eyes of God, the one who created all things and to whom all glory is given. Set your heart on God and look to Him as the provider of all your needs. When we surrender all to God, we will find our provisions and everything we need in Him, as His grace alone is sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12:9). Allow your mind to be renewed and focused on God. This will enable us to live a fulfilled life, worthy of God and pleasing Him in every way (Colossians 1:10).

Esther ♥