Stepping Stones: People-Pleaser or God-Pleaser?

Transformational Tip
For many of us fear of others is so deeply ingrained in our minds and our hearts that it's woven into the daily fabrics of our life. It's a silent debilitator. This fear comes in subtle ways; typically not fear of being hurt physically (but that type of fear certainly exists), rather the fear of being rejected...left out...not accepted... looking foolish in other's eyes.... judged incompetent... or not being valued. While trying to be a "people-pleaser" may appear harmless on the surface, it can create crippling fear. Elevating their assessment to idol status, worshiping it, that is what we are really doing. People-pleasing usually requires us to compromise truthful, healthy functioning and replace it with dysfunctional behavior. Ultimately, we are choosing to please others and displease God, instead of displeasing others and pleasing God. Fear of displeasing others allows this downward spiral to accelerate and feel out of control.
Today, begin replacing the fear of displeasing others with the dread of displeasing Your Lord. Make pleasing Him your highest priority. In general, we try to please people so that they will give us want we want...approval...value... importance... hope... love...acceptance...forgiveness...destiny...safety...comfort. Turn your trust to God who is the only source of providing all these things, and so much more...everyday.

Prayer
Dear Father,
I am just beginning to realize just how fearful I am of others. I confess Father to being a "people-pleaser." I am too concerned about displeasing others and looking foolish in their eyes. Help free me of this fear Father by developing a deeper trust in You. I know that trusting in others is risky while trusting in You is safe. I know that You have everything I need...that Your riches will never run short. Father, I desire deeply to change and to eliminate my fear of others. I pray in the name of Jesus - AMEN!

The Truth
But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid."
John 6:20
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.
Proverbs 29:25
Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought. So they brought these men before the king.
Nebuchadnezzar answered and said to them, "Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?"
If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.
But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."
Daniel 3:13,14,17,18