The Missing PieceSample

In today’s video, I share with you how people-pleasing can have a negative impact on your health and fitness. Spend a moment thinking about this question, “Do you live your life to please people or to please God?” Henri Nouwen's statement will help you clarify your answer: “To whom do I belong? To God or to the world?’ Many of my daily preoccupations suggest that I belong more to the world than to God. A little criticism makes me angry, and a little rejection makes me depressed. A little praise raises my spirits, and a little success excites me. Often, I am like a small boat on the ocean, completely at the mercy of its waves.”

The “waves” Nouwen refers to are the influences of others on your life. Your thoughts, actions, and self-worth should not be at the mercy of other people for several reasons:

One, you will never win. Each person has their own opinions, and they often don’t match up with the opinions of others. You can’t please everyone so trying to gain approval from others will lead to a no-win journey.

Two, you will never find true joy. You may find moments of happiness when others praise you, but it won’t lead to everlasting joy.

Three, you will live in constant fear of what others think of you. When you behave a certain way, you will look to see how others react. Will they approve of what I did? What if they don’t? Fear, as opposed to love, will drive your thoughts and behaviors.

Four, you cannot fully live to please or honor God if you make pleasing others a priority. Isaiah 55:89 points out the conflict, “Indeed, my (God’s) ways are not like your (man's) ways, and my plans are not like your plans…”

Eleanor Roosevelt sensibly stated, “You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.” Do you know who does think about you constantly? God. You are His child, and He chose you before the creation of the world. If you have accepted Christ as your savior, even when you fall short, He sees you as holy and blameless. He approves of you and delights in you. He is for you and not against you. He offers you everlasting joy. He loves you completely just as you are. I hope you can rest in His approval and His approval alone!