Consumed by people-pleasing? Live for this ‘yes’ instead

    Recently, a friend who I admire, and respect asked about my interest in helping with a project. After we talked a bit, I knew in my heart I wasn’t comfortable with it. I needed to be honest about how I felt, so I said:
    “No, I’m sorry. I don’t think I’m the best person for that. Do you think someone else may be interested?”
    My friend said it was fine and she’d ask another, but after we got off the phone, I replayed our conversation in my mind. I worried about what she thought of me. Was I not being a good sister in Christ? Did I hurt her feelings? Should I have told her yes?
    I replayed our conversation over and over to the point of getting a headache. Yet I knew I didn’t feel comfortable with the request. I’d already said no, but I was still caving toward people-pleasing.
    
A futile attempt
    It’s amazing the tendency to people-please or say “yes” to something we don’t really feel led to do. People-pleasing has been a sin struggle I’ve dealt with most of my life. It shows itself in different forms: a constant need for approval, acceptance, a desire to be well-liked and obsession over what people think.
    In the past few years, I’ve been more awakened by my sin and have asked the Lord to change me in the process. I’ve learned that I can say “no” kindly and not have to give an excuse. I can say no to good things in order to say yes to the most important: my relationship with Jesus, husband and children. I can be confident in how God has uniquely made me. And much more.
    The truth is that it’s futile to seek out glory, honor or approval from others instead of the Lord. It’s quite exhausting and leaves you feeling emptier. No number of likes, followers or “you’re doing a great job!” can replace what our hearts ultimately need in Christ.

The full article is available in our e-Edition. Click here to subscribe.