The entire crowd stood up to applaud him. But he started crying. A violinist was invited to perform at a grand concert. The hall was packed. When he finished playing, the entire audience jumped to their feet. People screamed. People clapped. Some shouted his name. It was a standing ovation. But instead of smiling, the violinist bowed his head and began to cry. Confused, the organizers approached him. “Why are you crying? Look at the crowd! Everyone is impressed!” He slowly lifted his head. “Not everyone,” he whispered. They looked around. “Who else matters? Almost everyone is standing!” The violinist pointed at one man still sitting quietly in his seat. “That man is my teacher. He taught me everything I know about the violin. If he isn't impressed, all this applause means nothing to me.” The hall fell silent. And that day, everyone learned a lesson. It is possible to impress the whole world and still miss the approval that matters most. You can win their applause, earn their praise, and gain their admiration. But if Jesus isn't pleased with how you're living, what exactly have you won? Don't live for the applause of men. Live for the approval of Christ.