We are created by God and our worth is from Him. He says we are worthy. Our identity is found in Christ. Yet, we find ourselves not focused on pleasing the One who sent His only Son. We find ourselves not remembering our identity is in Christ alone. As we do life in this world, we aim to get likes and follows. We try to make a name for ourselves and to be loved, and one of the biggest ways we do this is by being a people pleaser.
When we aim to make people happy, it is our hope that when we make others happy, they will like us, follow us, reward us, etc. When we are in the habit of trying to please people, it is hard to get out of it. Trust me, I have been there. Relationships with people can be difficult so with the people pleasing efforts, we find opportunity to have positive connections. Sadly, we do not realize we lose ourselves by being a people pleaser. Our actions, our words, even our motives and beliefs can be changed by living as a people pleaser.
Paul boldly declared that he was not going to be a people pleaser. He would share truth in love. He would do all he could to please God. Galatians 1:10 says, “I’m obviously not trying to flatter you or water down my message to be popular with men, but my supreme passion is to please God. For if all I attempt to do is please people, I would fail to be a true servant of Christ” (TPT). Let us pay close attention to these words. If we only attempt to please people, we fail in living completely for Jesus.
Do you find yourself holding your tongue because your goal is to please people? Do you water down your words because you are worried the hearer will be offended? Do you shy away from confrontations? Do you avoid the tough discussions? Ask the Spirit to help you work through these questions. May He open your eyes if you are skirting the line.
Heavenly Father, You are wonderful. To You belongs all glory and praise. Lord, may we faithfully serve You. Help us to see if we are turning into people pleasers. Lord, I want to be a true servant of Christ. May You be my supreme passion always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Tania Gutekunst 