Have you ever been caught up in the futility of horizontal affirmation?
Built into every one of us is the desire to find affirmation from others such as friends, family, and society at large. And we seek the approval to satiate our self-esteem (self-importance). We judge our self-worth upon the approval of others and/or personal success. That is the desire of the “flesh” which is in bondage to sin.
Romans 7:14 (ESV) For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin.
We call this, the futility of horizontal Affirmation
We wake up every day with the “flesh seeking a horizontal affirmation. Which runs contrary to the “new man” that resides in every blood-bought believer. Paul understood this conflict as he spoke of that battle. It rages in every believer between the “flesh” and the new man in Romans 7:18-25.
In the video below we speak to how destructive it is and how it dishonors the Lord
So, for the born-again believer, there is no need to seek something horizontally that has been given to us in Christ, vertically.
Colossians 2:10 (NKJV) 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
Grace says we look vertically to the fullness of the grace of Jesus. Our self-worth, and purpose in life are found solely in Jesus and His grace.
John 1:16 (ESV) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.