In a world driven by social validation and the constant need for approval, it is easy to fall into the trap of seeking to please others rather than focusing on pleasing God. However, the pursuit of people's approval can be an exhausting and unfulfilling endeavor. This blog will explore why we should prioritize seeking to please God above all else, drawing inspiration from timeless scriptures that guide us in this transformative journey.

PLEASE HIM, NOT THEM!

As humans, we have an innate desire to be liked and accepted by others. We seek affirmation, recognition, and admiration from our peers, often making choices based on what we believe will gain their approval. However, relying on human approval is a precarious path to tread. Opinions change, trends shift, and what pleases one person may displease another. It becomes a never-ending cycle of trying to please everyone, ultimately leaving us feeling empty and unfulfilled.

Scripture reminds us of this truth in Galatians 1:10, where it says, "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." The apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God's approval over human favor. By seeking to please God, we align ourselves with a stable and unwavering standard, finding true purpose and fulfillment.

SHIFT YOUR FOCUS

When our focus shifts from pleasing people to pleasing God, our perspective expands beyond the temporal and mundane. We begin to recognize that our lives are part of a larger, eternal plan. Seeking to please God allows us to embrace values and principles that transcend humanity's transient desires and opinions. It invites us to understand our purpose and the significance of our choices.

In Colossians 3:23-24, we are reminded: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." This scripture underscores the eternal perspective that should guide our actions. By dedicating ourselves to pleasing God, we find fulfillment in knowing that our efforts are not in vain but contribute to a greater divine purpose.

WALK IN LIBERTY, LIVE IN FREEDOM! 

Seeking to please people often leads to a constant state of anxiety and fear of rejection. We become enslaved by the opinions and expectations of others, sacrificing our authenticity in the process. However, when we shift our focus to pleasing God, we experience a liberating transformation. We find solace in God's unconditional love and acceptance, freeing us from the need for constant validation from others. 

Psalm 118:6 beautifully expresses this truth: "The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" When we seek to please God, we understand that His approval is all that truly matters. We no longer need to fear the judgments or opinions of people because we are secure in God's love and acceptance. This newfound freedom allows us to live authentically, embracing our unique purpose and gifts.

​​As we embrace the call to seek God's pleasure rather than people's, we find ourselves on a path of freedom, purpose, and true fulfillment. It is a challenging journey, for we are constantly bombarded with the pressures and expectations of the world around us. However, by grounding ourselves in the timeless wisdom of Scripture and cultivating a deep relationship with God, we can confidently navigate this path. Remember, If you are doing right by everybody, you are doing it wrong!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

For more encouragement, support, and tools to equip you, we encourage you to check out these additional resources:

• MESSAGE: To watch Liquid Church's entire message on "When You Let Someone Down” from Part Two of our Series, “Been There," Click here.
• ARTICLE: We’ve all been there: we send up a prayer to God and in the silence that greets us, wonder did He even hear me? Will He answer my prayer? Click here.  
• MESSAGE: We’ve all been faced with temptation, even Jesus! We invite you to consider how to draw near to Jesus and fight temptation in your life with the power of the Holy Spirit, Click here.