People Pleaser

I don't know about you, but I'm what they call a "people pleaser." Saying no to others when they have expectations of me is a rare thing. I'm not quite sure sometimes I know how to say "no." In reality, there are some that place unrealistic or impossible tasks upon us on purpose, but mostly I do it to myself. And it's pride pure and simple.

 How do I figure that? Well obviously my thinking is that if I don't get involved in the work that it won't do well or that people will fall apart because I alone haven't met their needs. There's a few things I learned by meditating on my desire to be a "people pleaser."

1. God is all powerful. While we have the blessing and opportunity as Christians to be involved in God's plan, He is the one that saves souls. He is the one that is the Great Comforter. He is the one that  knows our life and what He has planned for us to do. By me taking things over and thinking I have to insert myself in the situation, I become self dependent and get involved in areas the Lord never intended me to be in. That's hindering the Lord's plan, not furthering it.


Isaiah 40:28-29 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

I love the wording here because it's the Lord saying- "Did you forget who I am? I AM I AM!! And yes sadly, I forget. 

2. The needs of your family are more important. I don't know if it's just me but sometimes I forget that my family is my #1 ministry as a wife and mother. If they're suffering because of your involvement with others or even ministries in church, something's not right. (Totally guilty here). I realized while trying to do so much that my family and my home were being neglected. Now don't misunderstand and think that I believe women should do all the housework and child rearing single-handedly. But as a wife and mother my family has needs that I am called to meet. If we remember the virtuous woman, she made sure her family was provided for in all ways. She sells goods, plants gardens, clothes her family, is wise and kind in speech. Basically, she makes sure her family's needs are met. Oh why should we feel guilt for placing our family's needs above those of others or the church? That's not how the Lord sees it. 

Prov. 31:28-30

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

I want to be described like that as a wife and mother! 

3. No one can accomplish what they're called to do if they are exhausted. Don't get me wrong- the Christian path requires endurance and strength and to keep going in weariness. But it's not our job to muster up that strength. The Holy Spirit gives you that strength to accomplish His will. We are fed with the Word. We are sustained by His presence. We communicate through prayer. If our relationship with the Lord is our first priority and we learn to REST in His power, His timing, and His plan the stress starts melting. I am an instrument used of God to accomplish His plans for the spread of the Gospel and discipleship. Why not let Him do what He's going to do and enjoy the blessing of being a part of it? 

2 Cor. 12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

We are to submit to one another as Christians and we are to tell others of the Gospel. But that doesn't mean you're responsible to others for your time and life. You're responsible to God for it. Our first priority is our relationship with Him, second our families. Ministry beyond that is an expectation of us as Christians, but it's the Lord's command- not family members or church family. You will give an account to God for what you have done in His name so let's rest in Him and let Him direct where our time should be spent. While we are called to submit to one another, at the end of the day we're all humans and the only one who can know what God expects (outside of obvious Bible doctrine) is between you and the Lord. So remember to live for the audience of one- the Lord.