[I have had the problem in the past of being a “people pleaser” almost to the point of being obsessed with always trying to making everyone happy. Psychologist Harriet Braiker calls this “THE DISEASE TO PLEASE” and states that “it is a form of addiction”. Just as a drug addict seeks drugs, a people pleaser seeks approval. I have since discovered that it’s ok to help others and try to make them happy. It’s good to give for the pleasure of giving but, the need to please others at all cost at all times, and be everything to everyone ARE ACTIONS OF A DESPERATE PERSON. Paul says:] “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I WOULD NOT BE A SERVANT OF CHRIST.” (Gal. 1:10) [Paul discovered that being a “man pleaser” would be in direct conflict with His relationship with Christ. In I Thessalonians, Paul said:] “Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live IN ORDER TO PLEASE GOD, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus TO DO THIS MORE AND MORE.” (1 Thess. 4:1) [Since becoming a Christian I have a new avenue to focus in my “need to please”. As I draw closer to the Lord in my relationship with Him, THE MORE I DESIRE TO PLEASE HIM. Solomon said it like this:] “When a man’s ways PLEASE THE LORD, HE MAKETH EVEN HIS ENEMIES TO BE AT PEACE WITH HIM.” (Pro. 16:7) [Paul goes on to warn:] “Those controlled by the sinful nature CANNOT PLEASE GOD.” (Rom. 8:8) [So, what do we have to do to please God?] “And WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD, because anyone who comes to him MUST BELIEVE THAT HE EXISTS and that HE REWARDS those who EARNESTLY [passionately] SEEK [pursue] HIM.” (Heb. 11:6) [How wonderful to discover that we please God by BELIEVING THAT HE IS, and that He rewards us FOR PASSIONATELY PURSUING HIM!] “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way IS PLEASING TO GOD and receives human approval. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” (Rom. 14:17-19)
Be blessed as you praise The Lord, BELIVING HE REWARDS those who EARNESTLY SEEK HIM!
Bill Stockham
