A useful tool for getting ahead, building a great reputation, and driving yourself nuts, pleasing others is a temptation.
Personally, I have been facing this temptation rather obviously. The recent struggle has required me to either strive to please a certain person or act according to what God says is right. I’m reaping some very frustrating consequences due to not pleasing said person.
Yet I’m glad for this, thanking the Lord even in the unpleasant.
Galatians 1:10 challenges you and I:
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Broken down…
Step 1: Trying
Trying to please people starts with striving and intending. It begins in our hearts when we shape our thoughts in pursuit of getting the approval or acceptance of others.
Step 2: To Please
Biblos.com defines the action:
Pleasing someone requires action (or inaction) in accordance with that person’s wishes. It is acting as they would like you to. Just as a servant would do.
Step 3: People
The first two steps happen in order; we strive to please. It’s this last bit where we make a clearer choice.
Choosing “people” isn’t the better option. “People” means not God.
Our striving, working, and serving are all to be unto the Lord. That is what is best for us and what brings Him glory.
Just as money and God cannot both be our masters, other people and God cannot both be those we submit to. Other people and God have far too many competing purposes, directions, and methods for us to obey both simultaneously. His way ultimately wins out in the end.
Start on the winning side. Begin with the trying to please God. Sometimes (often!) He asks us to do things that will also please other people. It’s lovely. Just be prepared to make the choice when called upon.
As I can attest far too well at the moment: choosing God over man is always worth it, but man doesn’t tend to react well. Thankful the Lord approves, gives grace, and can even work in those “others” who are displeased with me.
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I know I need to please God 1st and I honesty try. From my earliest beginnings starting with my mom and continuing into my workplace, I always look for approval and when things go nuts, I ask “Are you mad at me?” Or “Are you proud of me?” I believe Lord, help my unbelief!
So honest, Steven. I’m the same way. It’s so hard not to put too much value on others’ approval and to just trust in His approval. Praying it with you- Help my unbelief and it’s effects!
Words of wisdom from one “pleaser” to another! I love the word “pleasing” where I see it in Psalm 19. I think I remember it being rendered “acceptable” in older versions, but pleasing sounds so parental and loving by comparison!
More than any other thing…I want to be pleasing to my good, good Father. #30 at Jennifer’s this week!
People-pleasing seems such a subtle trap. Love how you broke it down here. And the ending? Amen. We’ll never go wrong choosing the One over man.
Thanks Kristi! It is- I think part of why is that pleasing people is often in line with His will!! Thanks again!
Whether pleasing ourselves or other, it’s never as good and soul satisfying as pleasing God. Thanks for the breakdown Bethany! Always a pleasure to stop by!
I absolutely fall into wanting to be accepted by others which, of course, feels like I need to please them, or even appease. Thanks for this reminder to soak in God’s word, so become one who defaults to pleasing Him which ultimately, is much better for the other person and the Big picture.