It’s easy to become preoccupied with what other people think about us. It’s also the quickest way to forget what God thinks about us. We become performance-minded. We seek to please others. And, in the meantime, we ignore what God is calling us to do. We mean well. We really do. We don’t want to disappoint those around us. We don’t want to let them down.
If there is one lesson we learn quickly in life, it’s that we can’t make everyone happy.
I’ve always struggled with being a people pleaser. I struggle saying “no.” I become obsessed with making sure I perform and live up to others’ expectations.
But, I’m getting better at this.
While respecting and loving other people is important, it’s more important to do what GOD wants us to do.
I have to serve Him first. I have to become obsessed with doing what HE wants me to do.
Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. Galatians 1:10
How do you fair in the people-pleaser category?
6 Comments
December 9, 2009 at 9:00 am
My mom is this way which is funny that she raised me and I am not. My first realization of this was when she used to tell me “I am not out to win a popularity contest with you” while I was growing up. Her priority was to do what was right by me and could have cared less if I liked her (well I am sure she cared, but she didnt show it
)
December 9, 2009 at 10:02 am
lol, if I didn’t know better, I would think you were a fly on the wall yesterday. lol, I talked to my sister yesterday about that same subject. Her and I struggle with people pleasing, mostly with our immediate families. I had a problem yesterday, lack of funds, & w/Christmas coming up, trying to get everyone what they want…well, guess what? Stress. lol…that is where the issue of anger at myself comes in. Great blog, the issue is being dealt with! sort of! lol
December 9, 2009 at 10:08 am
We are alike in this department. As bad as I want not to care what others think, I do like crazy. I think to the point of compromising my own happiness. Totally not worth. And I think we can get in a tail spin of regrets if we live to please anyone other than God. Thx for this post. I needed it.
December 9, 2009 at 11:36 am
That is so good. I too try to please everyone and sometimes I get so frustrated with myself for doing this! It’s hard and I hate to say no, but you are right, sometimes we have to say no.
December 9, 2009 at 10:42 pm
good good thoughts. as per usual, i could go into a long story about my people pleasing tendencies, but honestly, moving away from my family has really helped. which is sad. but true.
December 9, 2009 at 11:22 pm
I cannot tell a lie: I enjoy putting a smile on people’s faces. However, I won’t change who I am or what I believe to get their approval.
Anymore.
What?