Podcast Summary: Joel Osteen Podcast – "Approval Addiction" | Released May 5, 2025

In the "Approval Addiction" episode of the Joel Osteen Podcast, Joel and Victoria Osteen delve into the pervasive issue of seeking validation from others instead of relying on God's approval. Through personal anecdotes, biblical references, and practical advice, they inspire listeners to break free from the need for external approval and embrace their God-given destinies.

1. Understanding Approval Addiction

Joel begins by defining approval addiction as the dependency on others' opinions to make decisions. He emphasizes how this addiction leads individuals to filter their actions through the lens of what others might think, hindering their ability to live authentically and pursue their true purpose.

• Key Points:

  • Approval addiction stems from the fear of others' opinions.
  • It causes individuals to prioritize others' perceptions over their own identity and God's calling.
  • Dependence on external approval leads to frustration and exhaustion.

• Notable Quote:

  "Too many people make decisions based on what other people will think about them." – Joel Osteen [04:15]

2. Biblical Insights on Approval Addiction

Joel leverages biblical examples to illustrate the dangers of seeking human approval over divine guidance.

a. The Apostle Paul

Paul serves as a prime example of overcoming approval addiction. Despite facing skepticism and opposition, Paul remained steadfast in his mission, focusing solely on pleasing God.

• Key Points:

  • Paul disregarded varying opinions, focusing on his divine mission.
  • His actions led to the writing of nearly half the New Testament.
  • Paul’s declaration: “It matters very little to me what you or anyone else thinks. I have been faithful.” (First Corinthians 4)

• Notable Quote:

  "He wasn't trying to please everyone. He was trying to please an audience of one." – Joel Osteen [10:30]

b. King David vs. King Saul

Joel contrasts King David's boldness with King Saul's obsession with approval.

• Key Points:

  • David danced joyfully to honor God, ignoring his wife Michal's contempt.
  • Saul failed to fully obey God due to his fear of people, leading to his downfall.
  • David's unwavering focus on God led him to become Israel's greatest king, while Saul lost his kingdom by seeking human approval.

• Notable Quote:

  "David wasn't controlled by other people's opinions. He didn't worry about what people thought." – Joel Osteen [20:45]

3. Personal Anecdotes: Breaking Free from Approval Addiction

Joel shares heartfelt stories from his life and his father's journey to illustrate the practical aspects of overcoming approval addiction.

a. Joel’s Father's Ministry Leadership

Joel recounts how his father chose to follow God's vision for their church despite opposition from peers and mentors.

• Key Points:

  • Joel’s father resisted manipulation from a long-time staff member who sought approval.
  • Choosing to follow God’s direction led to the successful establishment of Lakewood Church.
  • Despite initial disapproval, God’s favor ensured the church's growth and longevity.

• Notable Quote:

  "If you let the opinion of others determine your decisions, you don't realize you're addicted to approval." – Joel Osteen [14:50]

b. Joel's Educational Choices

Joel describes his internal struggle between pursuing higher education and following his passion for television ministry.

• Key Points:

  • Joel felt called to start a television ministry despite not completing his formal education.
  • Fear of others’ opinions almost held him back from embracing his calling.
  • Encouragement from his father helped him prioritize God’s plan over societal expectations.

• Notable Quote:

  "God knows what he's doing. He knows where he's taking you." – Joel Osteen [25:10]

4. Overcoming Approval Addiction

Joel provides actionable strategies for listeners to overcome their dependency on others' approval.

• Key Points:

  • Seek God’s Approval First: Prioritize pleasing God over pleasing people.
  • Embrace Your Identity in Christ: Recognize yourself as a valued creation of God, eliminating the need for external validation.
  • Resist Manipulation: Differentiate between advice and attempts to control your decisions.
  • Stay True to Your Convictions: Follow the "still small voice" within, trusting in God’s direction even when facing opposition.

• Notable Quote:

  "When you’re secure in who He made you to be, you don’t have to have all the outside validation." – Joel Osteen [28:30]

5. Encouragement and Call to Action

Joel concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to break free from approval addiction and step into their God-ordained destinies with confidence and boldness.

• Key Points:

  • Embrace the freedom that comes from relying on God's approval.
  • Understand that not everyone will support or understand your journey, and that's acceptable.
  • Commit to living authentically, knowing that God's approval is sufficient.

• Notable Quote:

  "You’re not a Saul. You’re a David. You’re not living to please people. You’re living to please God because you’re getting your approval from Him." – Joel Osteen [29:15]

Conclusion

The "Approval Addiction" episode serves as a compelling reminder to listeners to prioritize divine approval over human validation. Through relatable stories and profound biblical lessons, Joel Osteen empowers individuals to overcome their fears of judgment and pursue their God-given purpose with unwavering faith.

Additional Resources

For those inspired by this episode, Joel Osteen offers his book, "101 Great Things that God Says about You," which helps readers discover their true identity and embrace the promises of God. Interested listeners can request a copy by visiting joelosteen.com or calling 888-567-JOEL.