Living For the Applause
To quote the latest lyrics by Lady Gaga,
“I live for the applause, applause, applause
I live for the applause-plause
Live for the applause-plause
Live for the way that you cheer and scream for me
the applause, applause, applause. ”
Yes, it is true. This is only a song, but as I listened I couldn’t help but realize just how true these words are for all of us at times. I dare to say that everyone suffers from “approval addiction” at some point in their lives. Sadly, for some, it is an every day disease, eating LIFE right out of you.
Our minds are programmed by the definition of the American Dream long before we are able to comprehend the messages. At one time the American Dream was defined as a hard working man or woman, who married his/her helpmate for life and together forged their own little piece of happiness, complete with a couple of kids, a house, a family vehicle and a dog named Lassie!
Nowadays, the definition of the American Dream vies for every ounce of our time, energy, attention, and perfection. We are programmed to impress and driven by the applause of man - all at the expense of true fulfillment, joy, health, peace, and purpose.
Have you ever stopped and asked yourself, “What am I doing?”
Instead of spending a lifetime as a people-pleaser, clothed by the standards of this world, why don’t you take that U-turn ahead and dare to become a God-pleaser? You were created with unique purpose. The most important dream of all is to discover that purpose and spend a lifetime fulfilling it, bringing glory, honor, and praise to your Creator.
We are His ambassadors, His living representatives in the earth. Everything we do, speak, or think is designed to represent and point to His love, mercy and goodness for those in our spheres of influence. This includes your spouse, children, neighbors, co-workers, and strangers in the places you frequent.
What message is your life delivering? Remember, the applause of man may stroke your ego for a moment, but that is it’s only reward. There is a greater, eternal applause to be desired. May we each live our lives in such a way that in the end we might suffer no regret and joyfully enter our rest hearing these words,
“Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”
