Are you a People Pleaser?
I admit it—I am … but I’m going to stop.
If that sounds somewhat selfish to you, I want you to know that at first it did to me, too.
For most of my life, I have been filled with anxiety, wondering what other people thought about me: my actions, my attitude, my appearance, my words, my style (or lack of style!) … well, you name it.
I erroneously thought that pleasing others was God’s will. But that is not what Scripture says! The words of Jesus are to “love one another,” not to “please one another.” (John 13:34-35) And there is a powerful difference.
I came across this Scripture verse today:
Fearing people is a dangerous trap,
but trusting the LORD means safety.
Proverbs 29:25 (NLT)
The fear of man is a trap. It keeps us from God’s will for our life. It’s a snare, one that sounds good, but in fact is self-serving and downright dangerous. We should live to please God, not please others.
Think about it: Is that anything that God has called you to do that you hesitated to do, all because of a concern about what others might think of you? Speak to a stranger about Christ? (They’ll think I am crazy.) Stop by a friend’s house unexpectedly to encourage them? (They’ll consider me rude.) Give up a volunteering service because God was calling you to do something else? (How can I leave them hanging? I’ll let them down.)
Call me guilty! I’ve done all of those things.
So today, I am choosing to go where God calls me to go, regardless of what others might think about my choices.
I encourage you to do the same, because I’m telling you, there is great release in letting go of a desire to please others and instead choosing to please only God.
It ushers in an incredible freedom and allows a space in our lives for miracle to occur.
Won’t you join me?
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