How to stop people pleasing

HOW TO STOP PEOPLE PLEASING

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. - Galatians 1:10 ESV


I feel like I could start a support group for recovering people pleasers. Those of us who’ve spent a lifetime making decisions based on what people will think and how they’ll perceive our choices.

In the past, there have been times when I’ve refrained from doing what God told me to do all because I was worried about the backlash from others – both the people I’m close with and the strangers who don’t even know me. I stayed small in fear that I’d get called out or look foolish.

And I don’t know about you, but I’m DONE letting Satan play that game with me.

Because when we get down to it, we serve a God who genuinely understands what we’re going through.

Our Lord and Savior experienced the pains of rejection, criticism, and public humiliation to show us that it’s possible for us to endure them, too. He modeled how to handle each situation with grace and confidence, even when we’re misunderstood, made fun of, or called out by others.

We don’t have to spend our life trying to measure up or please others around us. When God gives us direction, we can move forward with confidence. Not because we think we’ll be popular with others, but because we have the approval of God.


*This Wheatful Wednesday includes excerpts from our new devotional ENOUGH: Replace insecurity with confidence and embrace your God-given identity. Grab your copy here.

@jantzenmiller  #wheatfulwednesday