This blog entry is based off of a post I saw on Instagram that moved me. The quote that stirred my heart and inspired me to reflect on it read,
"Being obsessed with what people think about you is the fastest way to forget about what God thinks about you".
I am a self-professed people pleaser. I have recently discovered that I care far too much about what people think about me. I can recall many times in my life where my desire to please people outweighed my desire to be in a right relationship with the Creator. The need to please has often silenced me and at times lead me down dangerous roads.
In this new season of change, I am challenging myself to get more comfortable with the idea that some people are just not going to like me or what I have to say. Some people are not going to agree with my ideas and beliefs. And that's OK. I'm willing to dialogue and discuss differing beliefs in a respectful manner, anytime. I believe that dialogue often brings about new revelations and a deeper understanding.
Galatians 1:10 reminds me to take an honest inventory of my priorities. Am I allowing the "opinion of men" influence me in a negative way? "Am I saying this now to win the approval of people or God?
I know that if I get stuck in a people-pleasing place, I will not finish the tasks and assignments that I believe I have been given. And if I don't accomplish those assignments, I will not be serving and loving my neighbour as effectively as I should.
Are you a people-pleaser? If so, how does your desire to constantly please affect your spiritual, emotional, mental, or physical health?