It is not wrong to want people to like us, right? Of course not. But it is wrong when we care too much about what people think of us.
This is a very common trap for Christians, but God says fearing man by seeking approval and avoiding rejection is WRONG.
“It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the LORD, you are safe.” Proverbs 29:25 GNT
Defining our lives and worth through the eyes of others will send us scrambling for 100% affirmation because ou identity is determined by what people think, not what God knows.
To one degree or another, many Christians fear disapproval or rejection of man more than they fear God. They avoid tension and conflict. Shade the truth. Mask their true identity. Tell white lies to curry favor with others. Fish for compliments. Go to great lengths to not look foolish. 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. NO! God must be big and trusted. Man must be small and subordinated.
In order to trust God and subordinate man, we must park in his 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 him and not put my self-worth in the opinion of others.
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you performing more for man than God?
