This just in from our global online tribe: “My faith is solid and deep but I cannot stop worrying about what people think of me. Does that make me ‘less Christian’?”
It is not wrong to want people to like us. But it is wrong when we care more about what PEOPLE think than what JESUS thinks.
To some degree, many Christians fear rejection of man more than they fear God. They shade the truth. Mask their true identity. Fish for compliments. Try to impress others at any cost. Maneuver and scheme to be affirmed or applauded.
Folly. All of it.
It is impossible to be fully committed to Christ and have an inordinate fear of man at the same time. If people are elevated to the greatest height, God will be banished to the lowest depth.
God must be big and trusted. Man must be small and subordinated.
Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes on the planet. Every day, thousands of people become members of this dubious fraternity. That’s an alarming trend, of course. But there’s another form of identity theft that is also exploding in our midst–the theft of our identity in Christ.
Too many believers have allowed Satan’s nefarious whispers to take root in their head and convince them that they will never be like the “good Christians.” They fear man more than God. Their constant concern is, “What will they think?”
Trying to win too much praise in this way is really a fear of rejection.
Trusting Jesus and subordinating man comes when we park our life’s car in the garage that harbors God’s Word of knowledge and gateway to truth.
I ask God to help me fight off trying to please people by performing for the world’s affirmation. Strengthen me to be faithful to you and not put my self-worth in the opinion of others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Are you performing more for man than God?
“It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the LORD, you are safe.” Proverbs 29:25
