I wanted to write this because it’s been on my heart, and I wanted to encourage someone struggling with this today.
People-pleasing is something I contend with; I believe it developed and stemmed from my childhood.
People-pleasing can often be about avoiding rejection and fear of abandonment.
When I was in my late teens and spent time away from God, I tried to fit in with those around me; it led me to make the wrong choices and decisions.
Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Often we want to impress our friends.
We want to be liked and to conform.
We daren’t be different.
This is something that I spent time battling with. I knew I was different; I knew I was a child of God and that I should be set apart, but I was afraid of the rejection.
When I rededicated my life to God in 2020, I had to walk away from some friends because they couldn’t understand the consecrated life I wanted to follow.
I did not want to be a lukewarm Christian any longer.
If I had to choose between the relationships I formed and God, it would always be my Heavenly Father.
People-pleasing can keep us from admitting the truth because we fear conflict.
But the Bible tells us in Ephesians 4:15: Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.
We are afraid to tell people when they are in the wrong because we fear the resentment.
I honour my Mother. I thank God for her ability always to direct me; she was not concerned about my reaction, but about helping me see when I needed correcting so I could learn and stay on the right path.
Many people struggle with telling their children the truth today.
They fear the backlash.
In 1 Samuel, the Bible tells us about Eli, the old high priest, and his corrupt sons. Eli failed as a father because he couldn’t discipline his children, and he honoured his sons more than God.
Are your children on the right path?
Are we honouring anyone in our lives more than God?
Acts 5:29 tells us Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!
Many of us struggle with saying no.
This is another thing that I have developed over the years: the importance of having boundaries.
We say yes to everything because we don’t want to let others down.
But this can be unhealthy and lead to self-neglect.
We need to ensure that we don’t prioritise others over our own wellbeing.
As I have grown in my relationship with God, I’ve come to realise more and more that you will not be liked.
The light within you and the aura you carry can make others uncomfortable.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:22, “You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
It’s funny because the other week I was street preaching and this man shouted: “Here she goes again”.
I believe street preaching and evangelism are a great way to deal with your people-pleasing.
Because you are at the forefront of rejection.
You are hurled with abuse, but the mission goes on.
Hence why many people struggle with the Commission.
Someone told me the other day they prefer me singing on the streets to me shouting.
God did not tell me to fit into people’s preferences.
He told me to preach the gospel.
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
I am in my late 20s, and I cannot believe God has matured me into the woman I am today.
I can do what I am doing unashamedly, regardless of what others say or think about me.
I am more concerned about pleasing God.
I no longer need to compromise my faith, and I stand firm in who I am in Christ.
I understand that dealing with rejection is not easy. I have dealt with it all too often recently, but I know that if I want to fulfil who God has created me to be, it is all worth it.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:10).
People-pleasing can stop us from sharing the gospel; it can prevent us from sharing our faith with our colleagues.
We do not want to be disliked or make others uncomfortable.
Matthew 5:16: In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
I want to encourage you today not to fall into people-pleasing, but to please God.
That’s why it is important to have your face set like a flint (Isaiah 50:7).
Despite the rejection or persecution you may face.
I heard this song in my head after writing… I have decided to follow Jesus; no turning back.
May you never turn back In Jesus Name!
PRAYER
Father in the Name of Jesus,
Thank you for this day you have made,
We bless you and give you all the honour and praise,
Forgive us again our trespasses,
Forgive us when we have pleased man over you,
Help us to be obedient to you and your will,
Give us a heart devoted to you,
Willing to please you,
May we set out faces like a flint,
May we never turn back,
Help us not to be lukewarm,
Let us not compromise,
May we be set apart for your glory,
May we not be ashamed of the gospel,
Help us to face rejection and persecution,
Let us fulfil the Great Commission,
Remove fear of man,
Remove people-pleasing,
Heal us from any spirit of rejection.
In Jesus Name
Amen
Written by Jaeger.V
3/10/26