The People-Pleaser Trap

‘I am not trying to be a people pleaser. No, I am trying to please God.” Galatians 1:10
 
God shaped us to need and encourage each other but our desire for approval can be misused and lead to it consuming our time, energy and happiness. The fear of rejection can be overwhelming and lead us away from what we know is the right thing to do.
 
There are dangers of People-Pleasing. These include not focusing on God’s will and plan for your life, preventing your faith from growing, always making yourself look good, God knows the truth and your testimony will be stifled.
 
To avoid the above we need to ask for God’s help, it's not easy. This will involve change and God helping us. In particular, remembering you cannot please everybody, you don't need every-ones approval to be happy and God has promised never to abandon you. Always remember you are trying to please one person, the Lord who gave you talents and resources to fulfil his purpose for your life.
 
Finally, two questions for us to consider. Whose opinion matters most to you? Whose approval are you living for?