In the context of biblical teachings, attention seekers are individuals who seek validation, recognition, or approval from others, often prioritizing human praise over divine approval. The Bible addresses the motives and behaviors associated with seeking attention, emphasizing the importance of humility and the dangers of pride.

Biblical Examples and Teachings

1. Pharisees and Hypocrites: One of the most prominent examples of attention-seeking behavior in the Bible is found in the actions of the Pharisees and hypocrites. Jesus criticized them for their outward displays of piety intended to gain admiration from others. In Matthew 6:1-2 , Jesus warns, "Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward."

2. Pride and Humility: The Bible consistently contrasts pride with humility, urging believers to seek God's approval rather than human praise. Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." In contrast, James 4:10 encourages, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you."

3. The Example of Jesus: Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of humility and selflessness. Philippians 2:5-7 describes His attitude: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness."

4. Seeking God's Approval: The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of seeking God's approval rather than human recognition. In Galatians 1:10 , he writes, "Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."

5. Warnings Against Self-Exaltation: The Bible warns against self-exaltation and the pursuit of personal glory. In Luke 14:11 , Jesus teaches, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

Practical Implications for Believers

Believers are encouraged to examine their motives and ensure that their actions are driven by a desire to honor God rather than to gain attention from others. The pursuit of humility and the rejection of pride are central to living a life that is pleasing to God. By focusing on serving others and glorifying God, believers can avoid the pitfalls of attention-seeking behavior and align themselves with the teachings of Scripture.Romans 12:3
For I say, through the grace given to me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.
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James 4:10
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
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James 4:6
But he gives more grace. Why he said, God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
Topicalbible.org

Loving Advice for Anxious Seekers
... I. First, I shall call your attention to THE GREAT LACK OF MANY SEEKERS, NAMELY,
WISDOM. This lack occurs from divers reasons. Sometimes ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 13 1867/loving advice for anxious seekers.htm

Sincere Seekers Assured Finders
... Sincere Seekers Assured Finders. ... She was at a ball, and the amusements of the evening
were engrossing all attention, and suddenly the answer to the first ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/sincere seekers assured finders.htm

The Altar of Incense
... It is to that central piece of furniture that I ask your attention now, and to ... As
one of the non-Christian philosophers"seekers after God, if ever there were ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the altar of incense.htm

Friends, or Quakers.
... They were at first called Seekers, from their seeking the truth; and afterwards ... as
obstruction to pure worship, all forms which divert the attention of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/friends or quakers.htm

Hidden Manna
... were powerless with them, and rather excited their ridicule than their attention. ...
Such seekers winnow sermons as the husbandman winnows his corn; they care ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/hidden manna.htm

The Strait Gate
... may be inferred from the tone of Christ's answer, which turns attention from a ... and
calmness, indicates the inflexible impossibility of opening to such seekers. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the strait gate.htm

Labors in a New Field
... and the brush arbor in which the meeting was held did not protect the congregation;
but the interest was so great that the seekers paid no attention to the ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xi labors in a.htm

Seventh Day. Holiness and Obedience.
... To all seekers after holiness this is a lesson of deep importance ... many Christians
who, from the want either of proper instruction, or of proper attention to the ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/seventh day holiness and obedience.htm

Introduction.
... of Effectual Prayer, we commend to all Christians and to all seekers of Christ ... In
this sermon Mrs. Booth turns her attention to another phase of faith and of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/introduction.htm

Ephesus
... If the followers of Christ were but earnest seekers after wisdom, they would be ... Christ
Himself calls our attention to the growth of the vegetable world as an ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 27 ephesus.htm

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