If we base our security and self-worth on what other people think of us, we’ll never really feel secure, because eventually we’ll do something they disapprove of. The Bible says, ‘Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety’ (v.25 NLT). A trap is just another word for a prison. If someone other than God can determine our worth as a person, that someone can make us feel like prisoners whenever we lose their approval, or when they just decide to make us feel bad about ourselves. When someone criticises us, we need to check with God if the criticism is valid. If not, we can reject it.

Some of the people we try so hard to impress will never be impressed, and we need to accept this. From God’s perspective, it doesn’t matter who we impress or how many we impress. Knowing that enables us to work alongside people without allowing ourselves to be controlled by their moods and opinions.

Each time Paul went to another town, people were meeting and hearing him for the first time. Some of them liked him, and some didn’t. He wrote, ‘Some say, “Paul’s letters are demanding and forceful, but in person he is weak, and his speeches are worthless!”’ (2 Corinthians 10:10 NLT). So how did Paul handle this? He wrote, ‘Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant’ (Galatians 1:10 NLT). In order to feel secure in life and fulfilled in what we’re doing, we need to reach the place where we can say, ‘I’m loved and approved by God, and that’s what matters!’

What Now?

If you find yourself striving for approval or people-pleasing today, say to yourself, ‘God loves me, and that’s what matters most!’