Romans 16:10 (NLT)

“Greet Apelles, a good man whom Christ approves…”

Apelles is another man on Paul’s team who we don’t know much about except that Christ approved him. And as little as that may sound, it carries the weight and heart of ministry. Serving Christ must begin with Christ Himself approving you for service. If we serve Christ without first obtaining his approval, then all our labors will be wasted and in vain. Apelles was a good man and while his goodness was not the qualification for his approval by Christ, his goodness was a manifestation of his approval. It is strange to hear of people who give wonderful testimonies of how Christ revealed Himself to them and gave them an incredible ministry, and yet, if we get close to them, they are not good people in practice. Good people are simply good, and when you relate with a good person, you know he is good.

Let’s not aim for goodness but approval in Christ, but as Christ approves us, may His goodness be the display that all men will see. Seek Christ. Seek His heart. Seek His approval. Don’t seek for ministry unless you first have received heavenly approval that your life is acceptable to God. Only those who have found this divine approval, should venture out into service.

“Master, it would be a tragedy if all my labors are counted as valueless because my life was never approved by You. O Lord, work Your deep work in me, shaping me to display Your goodness as the evidence of Your approval. In Your name I pray. Amen.”