Are You A People Pleaser? Stop it!
We live in a world that constantly demands our attention and approval. It can be easy to fall into the trap of people-pleasing. We often walk on eggshells, carefully navigating relationships and situations to avoid conflict or disapproval. But what if this approach to life is holding us back from truly living out our faith and purpose?
The Bible calls people pleasing the Fear of man. We are offered a powerful alternative: to live our lives focused on pleasing God rather than man. This shift in perspective can revolutionize how we approach our relationships, decisions, and daily walk with Christ.
There is great safety in choosing to please the Lord, no matter the price or the circumstances surrounding it. It doesn’t matter how you feel, what others think, or even what is popular in culture. Pleasing the Lord is key!
In Galatians 1:10, Paul says, “For do I now persuade men or God? Or do I seek to please men? If I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” This verse cuts to the heart of the matter—we cannot serve two masters. When we prioritize pleasing others over pleasing God, we compromise our identity as followers of Christ.
But why is people-pleasing so tempting? For many of us, it stems from a desire for acceptance, fear of conflict, or a misguided attempt to keep the peace. We may have grown up in environments where approval was conditional, leaving us constantly seeking affirmation from others. The problem with trying to please man isn’t just that it’s impossible to please everyone, but it taints your testimony.
The good news is that God offers us a better way. When we prioritize pleasing Him, we find true freedom and purpose. Jesus modeled this approach in John 8:29: “And He who sent Me is with Me; The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” Imagine living with that level of confidence and clarity!
So, how do we make this shift from people-pleasing to God-pleasing? Here are a few key insights:
- Know God’s Grace Personally! Remember your identity in Christ. You are a new creation, loved and accepted by God. This is where confidence comes from: knowing you are in the Lord, walking in His truth. Others’ opinions of you do not determine your worth. Remember, you are highly favored by God.
- Cultivate a deep relationship with God! The more you know Him, the easier it becomes to discern His will and desire His approval above all else.
- Be willing to face opposition. Paul knew suffering intimately. Standing firm in your faith may ruffle feathers. Jesus warned us that following Him might bring division, even within families (Luke 12:51-53).
The apostle Paul’s life offers a powerful example of this God-pleasing mindset. He was confident that whether he was alive on earth or alive in the presence of Jesus, he was going to please God! Every day and in everything he did.
We, too, can cultivate this level of confidence in our walk with God. It begins with a choice—a decision to prioritize God’s approval over all else. Joshua challenged the Israelites, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).
This choice isn’t always easy. It may mean facing ridicule, losing relationships, or stepping out in faith when others doubt. But the rewards are immeasurable. When we live to please God, we experience:
– Greater authenticity in our relationships
– Freedom from the exhausting cycle of people-pleasing
– Clarity in decision-making
– A deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment
– The joy of walking in obedience to God
Ultimately, the path of pleasing God leads to a life of true impact. Instead of being tossed about by every opinion or cultural trend, we become anchored in something far greater. Our lives begin to reflect Christ in a way that draws others to Him, not through compromise but through conviction.
The invitation stands before each of us today—to choose the path of following Christ wholeheartedly, regardless of what others may think. This new life of commitment requires courage but leads to true freedom and purpose.
Remember, you can’t serve two masters. Will you choose today to live as a servant of Christ, seeking His approval above all else? The decision is yours, and it has the power to transform not only your life but the lives of those around you.
Galatians 1:10 | Study 14803
