Don’t Be a Doormat: Part 1

Problems with People-Pleasing

READ: Exodus 32:1-24

“When Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, his anger burned and he threw the tablets out of his hands, breaking them to pieces at the foot of the mountain” (Exodus 32:19 NIV).

1. Approval: Offer to fix things to be liked and in favor of people.

Too often, we can get caught up in trying to please others. A people-pleasing mentality can lead us away from God. People-pleasers usually seek recognition and appreciation from others just for the sake of being liked.

2. False Kindness: Saying “yes” when inside you know it should be “no”.

When we become impatient and allow other people's opinions or pressures to rush our decision-making, we might neglect the time needed to pray and seek God's guidance. This can result in us becoming ineffective leaders. We worry more about pleasing and settling the loudness of people’s opinions than seeking God’s timing. When we prioritize pleasing others over pleasing God, we risk being misled by human expectations. We also mis-LEAD people in an attempt to quiet their loudness.   

3. Burnout: Sacrifice your self-care to care for others.

People-pleasing can keep you from growing in your faith. It causes serious hurt to our Creator, not to mention yourself. Paul writes to the churches in Galatia concerning the significance of God’s revelation of Jesus Christ, saying, “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” (Galatians 1:10 NIV).

 

 4. Avoidance: Doing for others to avoid your own responsibilities for the sake of being liked.

 God knows our capabilities, motives, thoughts, our everything! There is a reason God asked Moses to lead and Aaron to support alongside him. God knew the humble heart of Moses. They each had different gifts and talents. They each served another purpose. Moses' leadership position required great faith. He remained faithful to God’s voice and did not accept the people’s opinions and views against what was right. He called out to God for the needs of the people, and God answered.

 

5. Pretend: Agree when you disagree to win approval.  

The people grew impatient and ventured out on their own from God. Moses followed God even though the people wanted something different than what God provided. Moses held onto God’s promises.

 

On the other hand, Aaron let his people-pleasing mentality stray him away from the One who allowed him to stand tall next to Moses. Aaron wanted the recognition given to Moses but did not appreciate the God who brought them out of slavery. Aaron grew impatient and allowed the people's opinions to sway his decision-making.

 

6. Fear of conflict or rejection: Act, dress, and speak to appease or win approval.

Aaron even orchestrated the melting of the people's gold to make a golden calf, made sacrificial offerings to this golden statue, and threw a celebration (Exodus 32).

 

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”  (Romans 12:2 NIV)

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

  1. Who are you currently trying to please?

  2. Why do you think that is?

PRAY:

Lord,
You know the plans you have for me. Bring to my attention anything I do to please man over you. Your plans are to give me hope and a future that includes your direction and glory. Transform my heart and mind to avoid conforming to this world, but to follow you. Let your love fill my heart and soul so I may feel full by your promises, and not by the men and women of this world. Let all I do be a pleasing aroma to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

 
The upcoming Women’s Bible Study, "True Reflections: Focusing on Your Precious Identity with Purpose," will guide you through the journey of Moses and his five excuses. Discover how the influence of Moses' brother Aaron and his people-pleasing tendencies led him to fail during a time when God needed his leadership.

Lisa Stenger

Christian blogger, speaker and writer

https://www.lisa-stenger.com
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Don’t Be a Doormat: Part 2

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Living Your True Self