Trapped! That’s exactly what happens when we try to please people. It just doesn’t work. It never happens. You make one person happy, but then three others are mad. Then you try to make those three happy, and four more get upset. Solomon had it right when he wrote in the wisdom book of Proverbs:
Proverbs 29:25 (NKJV) “The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.”
In life, we often find ourselves stuck between wanting to follow God and, at the same time, seeking approval from those around us. This tug-of-war can be challenging and lead us away from the life God wants for us. I invite you to move toward putting God’s opinion at the highest level of your thought life. He is much easier to please than man, for sure! Together, I want to help you. We’ll explore practical ways to deepen your relationship with Him. There is a life where God’s opinion matters most, a life that I know you genuinely want.
People-pleasing often leads to a never-ending loop in which we look for others to validate us, which makes us doubt our choices. It’s like we’re living in fear instead of walking in faith. But God wants more for us. He calls us to a life full of courage, where our choices are guided by His truth, not others’ opinions.
Proverbs 16:7 (NKJV) “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
This isn’t just about us individually, either. When people-pleasing takes root in our churches, our testimonies lose much of their power and influence. Our churches and small groups can become social clubs instead of gatherings that reflect the love of Jesus and are filled with spiritual growth and maturity.
Acts 2:42–45 (NKJV) “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.”
Embracing who God made us to be helps us build genuine connections centered on faith instead of fear. Our walk with Jesus is about living fully in the identity He’s given us without being sidetracked by empty opinions. We’re not aiming for perfection but surrendering to God’s love and letting Him shape who we are.
God has great plans for you. Stay in that place of safety, seeking to please Him more than any man!
