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Equipping Christian Men for Richer Relationships

Approval Junkie?

I’m tired of needing everyone’s approval. It’s time to stop playing the role of Approval Junkie.

The Role—Approval Junkie:

I love tasks and accomplishing. I love recognition, attention, and praise. When you smile and affirm me, I feel momentary acceptance.

What’s behind the Role?

Two things live there:

  • a Fear of Being Inadequate
  • and a practiced Skill of Self-Hatred

That’s why

I don’t like quiet, stillness, or being alone. Because in the silence, the noise begins. Judgment. Negative self-talk. The shouting of shame.

And behind The Fear and Bad Skill

A deeper wound

As a child, I never felt connected and I was under-loved.

So I came to this conclusion:

I am not good. No one really wants me. And, I don’t even want me.

The best I can do is play a role, run from fear and practice bad skills.

Jesus offers something different.

Prayer:

Jesus, please heal me. Make me new. Help me stop the lies, play no roles, and release the bad skills that keep me stuck. Amen.

Today—Repeat:

I am saved, made new, and free in Christ. Abba wants me. Jesus likes walking with me. The Holy Spirit comforts me and offers me rest.
Today, I receive it.

Scripture

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
—2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

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Posted on

June 24, 2026

by

Stephen Cervantes

20260402
Doctor Marriage

© 2026, Doctor Marriage, inc.

Created by Greater Lessons

All content copyright © 2026, Doctor Marriage, inc. unless otherwise specified, or included as fair use. No content on this website is intended to treat or diagnose any mental health issues. The content on this website is intended for educational purposes only.

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