I am too concerned about what other people think.
I hate it when someone doesn't like me. I can't stand it when someone doesn't approve. A sour look can drive me crazy wondering what I've done wrong to cause it.
I know I'm not supposed to win the approval of men, but of God. (Galatians 1:10) I know I'm supposed to work for the Lord and not for men. (Colossians 3:23) I know this in my head, but when I sense disapproval it hurts.
It is especially painful for me among my spiritual family. Even Christians don't always see things the same. I know it's okay. We can't all be the same and reach a hurting world. Our unique experiences and personalities help us relate to a variety of people. I can get that in my head, but find it so discouraging in reality. There are/will be fellow Christians who don't approve of me. OUCH! I can hardly take that. I know it is easy to misunderstand and fail one another. I've done it many times and despite my best efforts, I'll do it again. If I didn't have the Holy Spirit nudging me along, I could easily become immobilized. It's hard to meet all the expectations of fellow Christians. I wonder, if they can love the same Lord as I, can't they see my heart? As a matter of fact, no, they can't. We are all clouded by our own impressions.
I shoot myself in the foot when I give the opinions of others this much weight. It's a heavy load to carry, trying to do everything right for all. Impossible too. BIG problem.
~ Darlene Schacht ~
I want to be a little girl again, unaware of any expectations. I want to sense God's pleasure apart from the human faces before me. I want to hop in His lap, feel His acceptance and forget the world.
"Do what you are called to do. Use the gifts God has given you. Don't worry about the expectations of others," said my friend. I need to follow her wisdom with greater determination.
Lord, forgive my wandering eyes that want to please the people around me. Help me focus on You and only You. May my efforts bring glory to you regardless of their human merit. Soli Deo Gloria.
Thanks to Sting My Heart for hosting this week's In Other Words.
8 comments:
I am so like this too. I try to please and become immobilisd worrying what others think. But with our Father in Heaven He loves and accepts us because of Jesus no matter what. I need to remember this.
Bless you for sharing your honest thoughts.
"Do what you are called to do. Use the gifts God has given you. Don't worry about the expectations of others" Now that is advice to take home! Thanks for sharing it.
You know - I think we all try very hard to be liked by everyone. I know I do. Sometimes I get hurt and sometimes (I am sure of that) I hurt others. I know that we don't mean to - it happens. I like what your friend has told you. I might just have to remember that for myself.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this week's IOW quote.
Blessings on your evening and always...
Oh yes . . . I can relate. Thank you for sharing so openly and honestly.
I think a lot of us have the issue of caring too mcuh what others think! Or at least I do! Hugs and prayers! Thanks for being so honest!
Thanks Tami for a great reminder that we live for an audience of one. It's SO easy to forget some days. I struggle with these same issues so much. Thanks for helping me understand the freedom the comes from learning and doing my best to do what God asks of me.
Wonderful post. This is something I've been struggling with over the years. I'm a little better, but I know the Lord still has much work to do in me. There have been a couple of times that He spoke somewhat sternly to me on these issues. I'm learning that the people-pleasing attitude can really keep me from what He wants me to do. *sigh*
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