To be a disciple of Jesus Christ does not mean I must be a social outcast. Christ does not negate my natural human proclivities; He enhances them. Social approval is necessary for emotional health, and Jesus Christ is not aiming for my dismembership from the human family. The basic issue is: social approval at what price?
In a parable, Jesus said, in effect, “Aim low and you will be promoted, and then you will have the respect of others” (cf. Luke 14:10). Social respect is not off limits for the disciple, but it is conditional. It is based upon the lowly-mindedness of Christ. Infinite trouble follows the natural man’s grab for place. He seeks the high, lofty position, regardless of the price he pays or the people he destroys getting there. I must never submit to a drive or propensity like that. Jesus did not come seeking social approval; but because He came in a lowly minded manner, social approval became His reward. By avoiding social approval directly, Jesus did the very thing that brings it most surely.
Social approval is necessary to my well-being. But social approval is not limited to earthly beings. A great “cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) is eagerly interested in all that happens to me and is, in a sense, the “cheering section” for all saints. If I do well, that is, do Christ’s thing, I will earn their rousing approval. Thus, the pilgrim way is replete with soul-stirring encouragements. If my way seems lonely and isolated, it is only for a while. “But God, who comforts the depressed [downhearted], comforted us by the coming of Titus; and not only by his coming, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted in you” (2 Corinthians 7:6–7).
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).
Daily with the King 