"You can please some of the people all of the time, and you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time.” Abe Lincoln
Old Abe knew what he was talking about. People-pleasing is a dead end.
We should to be kind and gracious to others, but we cannot make popularity our goal.
"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe." Proverbs 29:25
In addition, Christians need to realize that our faith in Christ will never make us popular.
Jesus warned us: "You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved" (Matthew 10:22).
Paul understood this: "If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10).
When we focus on people-pleasing, we always lose our way.
The biblical cure: "find out what pleases the Lord" (Ephesians 5:10).
Hey, this is the truth - find out which direction God is going and get in step! Thanks for your lovely site and for hosting.
ReplyDeleteAmen
DeleteWe have two people pleasers in our immediate family. As you said, people pleasers have to learn (as we all do) to take it to the Lord. Because they have to be able to have wisdom and have a balance, and know when to hold the line and not give in, lol! Thanks for hosting today!
ReplyDeleteIf we live our life for the audience of One, there is no greater reward. Thanks for the great post & for hosting & God bless!
ReplyDeleteSuch good advice Gail. It really matters to me what people think because I don't want to hurt them. I don't like anyone upset with me. My reputation is in Christ and not what others think of me. Thanks. And Thanks for hosting.
ReplyDeleteJudith, I'm with you on this one. I often need to quit worrying about people and refocus on God. I want everyone to like me. And I know that's not only impossible; it's destructive.
DeleteThanks for yet another beautiful message. The smartest day of my life was when I decided that I would handle any day to day criticism or accusation by assuring myself that "if I know and God knows the truth, what difference does it make what others say?"
ReplyDeleteYes, I think we all have experiences like that in life. It's really hard to know you've been falsely accused and others believe something about you that isn't true, but bottom line is what God thinks. I still struggle with this, though. That's why I write about it....to remind myself. : )
DeleteThank you for the message, such truth for today. I am thrilled to have just found your blog, I love it!
ReplyDeleteDear Gail
ReplyDeleteTo be a people pleaser is a ver heavy burden to bear. It is as if you are behind prison bars that seems to smother you! I used to be one, but am SO thankful that our Lord Jesus opened that prison door in my life and led me to freedom.
Blessings XX
Mia
Thank you for hosting -- I am number 46, Grocery Store Tip -- Question the Bananas.
ReplyDeleteI use the word "tip" on purpose, because I don't believe that we make lasting, sustainable changes in our lives -- whether it's our financial life or our spiritual one -- by following a series of tips and bullet points. We make lasting changes by asking ourselves questions and listening to the answers, then slowly, day by day, adjusting ourselves to the changes we instigate. Like this week-- not buying bananas because I've got 75 feet of raspberries ripening out there.
I was thinking about a decision I made recently through this lens and chose to do what I knew God wanted me to do rather than to please people. But let me tell you, it is HARD, Gail! I'm sort of a wimp when it comes to this anyway, but I know it's the right move and I'm trusting God will approve! And that's all that matters, right? Thanks for linking up with Wedded Wed. Since your link is still up, I'm going to jump in as well with yours!
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