Stop worrying about what other people will think

“But the wicked will perish: Though the Lord’s enemies are like the flowers of the field, they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke” (Psalm 37:19-20).

“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” (Galatians 1:10).

“But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4).

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men (Colossians 3:23).

Trying to please others is not a good idea, so how do you know if you have this problem? The only way to find out is to check your motives daily. After examining your intentions, you might be shocked to discover that you care too much about what others think of you.

People are capricious, loving you today, and despising you tomorrow. This is why you must seek God’s will for your life. Then when he unfolds his will to you, you must pursue what he has ordained you to accomplish and ignore all the comments of the naysayers.

Why do we worry so much about people? One minute they are singing about how wonderful we are and when the clock strikes 12 they are screaming, “Crucify him!” This is exactly why we must look to God and seek to please only him.

Sometimes the enemy will lock you up in fear by persuading you to consult the opinions of others. This could happen both mentally and verbally. An example of this mental consultation would be, “What will they say? I wonder what they will do. I hope my decision won’t offend them. I hope they will like it, etc.” When these thoughts or similar notions enter your mind, remember that the enemy is whispering in your ears. Therefore, resist him by meditating on the above Scriptures.

An example of verbal consultation is when you have to call people to get their opinion about your life. This is actually a form of idolatry that many of us, including me, have allowed in our lives.

Study the Bible for yourself and strive to please God, not man. People have their own problems that they can hardly handle, so what makes you think they can solve your issues? We are all trying to figure out this mysterious God together, so this makes our journey a personal one. Daily we have to consult with the omnipotent God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the giver of life and hope.

Now, you already know this addiction of constantly consulting others will be difficult to break, so let’s pray.

Prayer: Father God, forgive me for trusting in man more than I have trusted in you. I break my connection to this habitual sin in the name of Jesus. I know that by His stripes I am healed, so I thank you now, Lord, that I am free. No longer will I mediate on people and run to them for help. Instead, I will pray to you first as well as study my Bible. Amen.