Breaking Free: Confessions of a Former People Pleaser

Confessions of a Former People Pleaser

In today's world, the temptation to seek the approval of others is stronger than ever. With social media platforms constantly reminding us of our worth through likes, comments, and followers, it's easy to fall into the trap of people-pleasing. But as a former people pleaser, I can tell you that living to please man will never lead to true fulfillment.

The Dilemma of Pleasing Man or God

Whether we realize it or not, we are constantly faced with a choice - to please man or to please God. This choice is not limited to a specific time or place; it is relevant to us in the year 2023 and will continue to be relevant in the future. Our relationships, our actions, and our decisions all reflect who we are seeking to please.

Jesus himself addressed this dilemma when he said, "Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me" (Matthew 10:37). These words may seem harsh, but they reveal a profound truth - when we prioritize the love and approval of people over God, we are missing out on the abundant life that He offers.

The Seduction of the Fear of Man

One of the greatest obstacles to living a life that pleases God is the seduction of the fear of man. Sin has a way of making the love and approval of people seem more thrilling and fulfilling than the love and approval of God. We crave the acceptance and affirmation of others, and we often sacrifice our own values and beliefs in order to obtain it.

The apostle Paul understood this temptation all too well. In his letter to the Galatians, he writes, "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). Paul recognized that seeking the approval of man would ultimately hinder his ability to serve God wholeheartedly.

The Jealousy of God

God is not indifferent to our choices. He is not indifferent to the fact that we often prioritize the opinions of others over His own. In fact, He is rightly and lovingly jealous for our first and fullest devotion. Just as a loving spouse desires the exclusive love and affection of their partner, God desires our unwavering commitment and devotion.

Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God's jealousy for His people. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were repeatedly warned against worshiping other gods and seeking the approval of the nations around them. God longed for their undivided loyalty and made it clear that He would not tolerate any rivals (Exodus 34:14).

The Cost of Pleasing Man

While seeking the approval of man may seem appealing in the moment, it comes at a great cost. When we live to please others, we often compromise our own values and beliefs. We become enslaved to the opinions of others, constantly seeking their validation and approval.

Jesus warns us of this cost when he says, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26). Pleasing man may bring temporary satisfaction and applause, but it will never satisfy the deepest longings of our souls.

Living to Please God

So how do we break free from the cycle of people-pleasing and instead live to please God? It starts with a shift in our priorities and a renewed focus on God's love and approval.

First and foremost, we must recognize that God's love and approval are far superior to anything the world can offer. His love is unconditional, unwavering, and everlasting. When we fully embrace His love, the opinions of others will pale in comparison.

Secondly, we must surrender our fear of man to God. We must acknowledge our tendency to seek the approval of others and ask God to help us overcome this temptation. As the psalmist writes, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you" (Psalm 56:3). When we trust in God's love and faithfulness, we no longer need to fear the opinions of others.

Finally, we must align our lives with God's Word and seek to please Him above all else. The Bible serves as our guide and instruction manual for living a life that pleases God. As the apostle Paul writes, "For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man" (2 Corinthians 8:21). When we prioritize pleasing God, we will naturally align our actions and decisions with His will.

Conclusion

Living to please man will always fall short of true fulfillment. We may receive temporary praise and affirmation, but it will never satisfy the deepest longings of our souls. Only by seeking to please God can we experience the abundant life and true fulfillment that He offers.

So, let us choose today and every day to prioritize God's love and approval above all else. Let us surrender our fear of man and trust in His faithfulness. And let us align our lives with His Word, seeking to please Him in all that we do. In doing so, we will find the true joy and satisfaction that can only come from living a life that pleases God.