Who Are You Living For?

Have you ever changed the way you act because you wanted someone’s approval?

Perhaps you wanted your family to be proud of you. Maybe you wanted your friends to respect you. Perhaps you wanted your coworkers to notice your accomplishments. Sometimes, you may even find yourself trying to impress people you do not really know.

But here is the deeper question: Who are you living for?

I have learned through studying Scripture and writing about Christian faith and spiritual growth that one of the greatest struggles many believers face is the desire for human approval. We can know the right things, attend the right places, and even say the right words while secretly allowing other people’s opinions to control our lives.

However, the story of Saul gives us another way.

Saul had status. He had education. He had religious knowledge. He had connections. Yet, he was moving in the wrong direction.

Then he encountered Jesus.

That encounter changed everything.

Today, let us examine Saul’s transformation, discover why seeking approval can keep us from our purpose, and learn how to begin living for Jesus instead of living for people.

Saul Had Everything, But He Was Going the Wrong Way

First, consider Saul before his transformation.

Saul was not an insignificant man. He was educated and zealous. He knew Jewish religious traditions, and he believed he was defending what was right.

Yet, his zeal had taken him in a terrible direction.

He actively opposed the followers of Jesus.

The Book of Acts tells us that Saul was involved in persecuting believers. He sought them out, arrested them, and supported their punishment.

Then everything changed.

Acts 9 describes Saul traveling toward Damascus with authority to arrest followers of Jesus.

However, Jesus had another plan.

As Saul traveled, a light from heaven suddenly surrounded him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say:

“Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?”
—Acts 9:4, KJV

That question must have shaken Saul.

He thought he was fighting against the followers of Jesus.

Instead, he discovered that his actions were ultimately opposing Jesus Himself.

Therefore, Saul had to confront the truth about his life.

Sometimes We Need to Stop and Ask Difficult Questions

Similarly, we sometimes need to stop and examine our own lives.

Are we living for Jesus?

Or are we living for acceptance?

Are we following Scripture?

Or are we following the crowd?

Are we seeking the approval of the Lord Jesus Christ?

Or are we spending our lives trying to impress people?

These questions matter because who you live for will eventually determine how you live.

For example, imagine someone who constantly worries about what others think.

They may avoid speaking about their faith because they fear rejection.

They may compromise their values because they want to fit in.

They may make financial decisions based on appearances.

They may even remain in unhealthy situations because they are afraid of what people will say.

Consequently, the desire for approval can quietly become a master.

Jesus, however, calls us to something greater.

Saul’s Encounter with Jesus Changed His Direction

After Saul encountered Jesus, he became blind.

For three days, he could not see.

Think about that moment.

The man who had confidently traveled toward Damascus suddenly could not see where he was going.

Moreover, he could no longer depend on his own strength.

He had to wait.

He had to listen.

He had to trust.

Then the Lord Jesus Christ sent Ananias to him.

Ananias was initially afraid because he knew Saul’s reputation. Nevertheless, the Lord Jesus had chosen Saul for a different purpose.

Acts 9:15 says:

“But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me…”

What happened next was remarkable.

Saul received his sight.

More importantly, he received a new direction.

The Same Person, But a Completely Different Purpose

Saul did not simply change his occupation.

Jesus changed his purpose.

Before his encounter with Jesus, Saul used his influence to hurt believers.

Afterward, Paul used his life to proclaim the Gospel.

Before, he pursued followers of Jesus.

Afterward, he became one of the most recognized proclaimers of Jesus.

Before, he wanted to protect his religious reputation.

Afterward, he willingly suffered for the message he once opposed.

That transformation gives us an important lesson.

True Christian transformation changes more than our appearance. It changes our direction.

When the Lord Jesus Christ changes your heart, He can change what you value.

He can change what motivates you.

He can change what you pursue.

He can change who you live for.

Paul Stopped Living for Human Approval

Paul eventually understood something many people struggle to learn.

People’s approval does not last.

However, faithfulness to Jesus has eternal significance.

Paul wrote:

“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.”
—Philippians 3:7, KJV

Notice the change.

Paul once considered certain accomplishments valuable.

Later, he viewed them differently because he had encountered Jesus.

That does not mean Paul became lazy or stopped caring about excellence.

Instead, he changed who occupied first place in his life.

His education became useful for the Gospel.

His experiences became useful for ministry.

His suffering became an opportunity to testify.

His influence became a tool for reaching others.

In other words, Jesus did not waste Paul’s past. He transformed its purpose.

What Are You Living For?

Now bring the question closer to home.

Who are you living for?

Maybe you are living for your career.

Maybe you are living for financial success.

Maybe you are living for recognition.

Maybe you are living for your family.

Maybe you are living for social acceptance.

Maybe you are living to prove something to people who once rejected you.

These things may have a place in your life.

However, none of them should become your master.

The Lord Jesus Christ must remain at the center.

Because when you live for people, you will constantly wonder whether you are good enough.

When you live for popularity, you will constantly worry about losing it.

When you live for possessions, you will constantly want more.

When you live for recognition, you will always need another compliment.

But when you live for Jesus, your identity comes from Him.

Stop Letting Other People’s Opinions Control You

One of the biggest problems in modern Christian living is the fear of people’s opinions.

Social media can make this even worse.

Someone posts a picture.

People respond.

Someone shares an opinion.

People criticize.

Someone accomplishes something.

People compare.

Before long, many people begin measuring their worth by likes, comments, followers, and approval.

However, your value does not come from a number on a screen.

Your purpose does not come from public applause.

Your identity does not come from other people’s opinions.

Your identity must be rooted in Jesus Christ.

Therefore, ask yourself:

• Would I still do this if nobody applauded?
• Would I still follow Jesus if people rejected me?
• Would I still obey Scripture if obedience cost me popularity?
• Am I trying to please people more than I am trying to please Jesus?
• What would change if I truly believed that Jesus was enough?

These questions can expose what controls our hearts.

You May Feel Stuck, But You Can Change

Perhaps you see yourself in Saul.

Maybe you have made mistakes.

Maybe you have hurt people.

Maybe you have gone in the wrong direction.

Maybe you have spent years trying to gain approval.

Maybe you wonder whether you can really change.

The story of Saul gives us hope.

Saul’s past did not prevent Jesus from giving him a new future.

Therefore, do not assume that your past has the final word.

The Lord Jesus Christ can redirect your life.

He can give you a new purpose.

He can change your priorities.

He can teach you to forgive.

He can teach you to love.

He can teach you to serve.

He can teach you to live by faith instead of fear.

Transformation begins when we surrender our direction to Him.

What Does Living for Jesus Look Like?

Living for Jesus does not mean that you leave your responsibilities behind.

Instead, it means that you put Jesus first in everything you do.

For example, if you are a parent, live for Jesus by loving your family and teaching them His ways.

If you are a business owner, live for Jesus by treating people honestly.

If you are an employee, work with integrity.

If you are a leader, serve rather than simply seeking recognition.

If you are retired, use your time and experience to encourage others.

If you are young, do not wait until you are older to serve Jesus.

Wherever you are, you can live for Jesus right now.

A Simple Three-Step Plan

So, how can you begin living more intentionally for Jesus?

1. Examine Your Heart

First, ask yourself what motivates your decisions.

Are you seeking approval?

Are you afraid of rejection?

Are you trying to prove yourself?

Bring those feelings before the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Surrender Your Plans

Next, give your plans to Jesus.

Tell Him what you want.

Tell Him what you fear.

Tell Him where you have failed.

Then ask Him to direct your steps.

3. Follow Him One Day at a Time

Finally, do not worry about changing everything overnight.

Take the next faithful step.

Read Scripture.

Pray.

Forgive someone.

Encourage someone.

Serve someone.

Tell someone about Jesus.

Choose obedience when compromise seems easier.

Small acts of faithfulness can produce significant spiritual growth.

Interactive Quiz: Who Are You Living For?

Question 1: What changed Saul’s direction?

A. His education
B. His encounter with Jesus
C. His position
D. His friends

Question 2: What did Paul eventually consider more valuable than his former accomplishments?

A. Money
B. Popularity
C. Knowing Christ
D. Religious recognition

Question 3: What can happen when we live primarily for people’s approval?

A. We become more dependent on their opinions
B. We become spiritually stronger automatically
C. We never experience disappointment
D. We no longer need prayer

Question 4: What should guide the Christian’s life?

A. Popular opinion
B. Social media
C. Fear of rejection
D. The Lord Jesus Christ and His Word

Answer Key:

1. B
2. C
3. A
4. D

Poll: Who Are You Living For?

Which one is hardest for you?

🔘 Living for Jesus instead of people’s approval
🔘 Letting go of my past
🔘 Trusting Jesus with my future
🔘 Staying faithful when people disagree with me
🔘 Putting Jesus first in my daily decisions

Share your answer and encourage someone else with what you have learned.

A Personal Challenge for This Week

This week, make one simple commitment:

“I will live for Jesus, not for people’s approval.”

Then put that commitment into action.

Before making an important decision, stop and pray.

Before responding to criticism, pause.

Before seeking recognition, examine your motives.

Before compromising your values, remember who you belong to.

And when you fail, do not run away from Jesus.

Run toward Him.

The same Jesus who met Saul on the road to Damascus can transform a life today.

Your Past Does Not Have to Define Your Future

Saul began his journey as an opponent of the followers of Jesus.

Yet, the Lord Jesus Christ transformed him into Paul, a powerful messenger of the Gospel.

His story reminds us that transformation is possible.

Your past may explain where you have been.

However, it does not have to determine where you are going.

Therefore, stop living for applause.

Stop allowing rejection to define you.

Stop allowing other people’s opinions to control your decisions.

Instead, seek the Lord Jesus Christ.

Trust Him.

Follow Him.

Serve Him.

And live for Him.

Because when you discover who you are living for, you can begin to understand why you are living.

Final Thought

Who are you living for?

That question deserves more than a quick answer.

It deserves an honest examination of the heart.

Saul thought he knew exactly what he was doing. Then he encountered Jesus, and everything changed.

Perhaps today, Jesus is calling you to change direction too.

Perhaps He is asking you to release your need for approval.

Perhaps He is asking you to surrender your plans.

Perhaps He is asking you to stop living for people and start living fully for Him.

Give Him your fears. Give Him your failures. Give Him your future.

Then take the next step.

Live for Jesus.

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