I was recently watching an episode of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” and there was a character on the show that did not like Raymond. It ate him up inside to the point where he had to go talk to this guy. He approached the guy, but he denied his disdain. Raymond would not let it drop, and finally the guy admitted that he did not like Raymond. Raymond then defended himself by telling him what a great guy he is if only he had a chance to show it.
I am the same way. I am a people pleaser. I hate it when people do not like me, and I rarely dislike other people. If I know that someone has a problem with me, I feel the need to defend myself. This is a problem, because it causes me to live in fear.
Jesus said, “I do not accept praise from men, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of GOD in your hearts. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only GOD?” Good question.
So, whom am I trying to please? Do I avoid ruffling feathers and stepping on toes in order to avoid conflict with people in my sphere of influence, or do I seek to please GOD? It sounds like such a simple question, but the answer is not always so easy to follow through.
Lord, give me strength to please you without the fear of what others might think about me.
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