Identity (1) Wednesday 19th September 2018 'We are not trying to please people but God.' 1 Thessalonians 2:4 NIV We can fall into the trap of people-pleasing. We find ourselves performing, or acting a certain way, to gain people's approval. When we're trapped in the people-pleasing cycle, we end up being controlled by the opinions of others and it can feel like we're on an emotional rollercoaster. That's not how God wants us to live. Paul was free to speak the truth in love: to confront people or to be gentle with them. When someone told Paul they didn't like him, he didn't worry about it because his security and self-worth weren't built on their acceptance. He spoke 'as those approved by God' (1 Thessalonians 2:4 NIV). Paul didn't compare himself with others. Knowing he already had God's approval set him free from worrying about those things and meant he could enjoy the life God had in mind for him. Remember this: we already have God's approval, and our identity is found in him. Living for God won't always make us the most popular and people won't necessarily understand us or our decisions. Paul wrote: 'If I were still trying to please people, I would not be Christ's servant' (Galatians 1:10 GWT). But, knowing we have God's approval gives us the strength to deal with criticism and conflict because we're secure in our identity. So what now? Have you been trying to please people because you think it's the godly thing to do? It's too much pressure to put on yourself! Claim your God-given identity in Christ and enjoy living your life for him.
