I’m sure a developmental psychologist would have a field day analysing how my upbringing shaped me into a ‘people-pleaser’ as an adult.
Though I’m often not fully aware of it, when I pause and reflect on my actions, I realise they are frequently driven by a desire to make others happy—or to ensure they think well of me. And I have a feeling I’m not alone in this!
The desire to please or impress others is a powerful force. Some people will go to great lengths—often at significant personal cost—even compromising what they know is right, just, and true, all to maintain the approval of others.
The Apostle Paul faced intense pressure to please those around him.
On one side, he was commissioned by God to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. This raised all sorts of practical and theological questions: How Jewish must these Gentiles become to be part of God’s people? How should Paul’s own Jewish heritage and culture evolve to align with the gospel of grace and help him connect with those he was trying to reach?
On the other side were the first Christians—including the other apostles—who still lived out much of their Jewish cultural identity. How would Paul integrate these Gentile believers into a faith community so deeply rooted in Jewish traditions? What should they accept, reject, or reform?
Feeling this pressure from both sides, Paul wrote this in Galatians 1:
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
There’s nothing wrong with making others smile or having a good reputation. But Paul reminds us that if our primary motivation is to please people instead of God, we are getting something terribly wrong.
As people who strive to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, our ultimate goal should be to live for God’s honor, glory, and pleasure. What brings a smile to God’s face should be our greatest motivation!
So next time you’re tempted to do something just to make someone else happy, take a moment to ask yourself: Am I seeking the approval of others, or of God?
Grace & peace,
Andrew
P.S. Please take a moment to consider your End of Financial Year Giving and how you might give generously for the joy, honour and glory of God! There are some details below to help you think this through.