"Don't let people's compliments go to your head, and don't let their criticisms go to your heart. The degree to which you do either of these things is the degree to which you'll be ruled by what other people think of you" (Teurkerst, 2011).
I have always been a people-pleaser. I have always cared about the opinion and approval of others. Being so concerned about what other people think of me has led me to do things I don't want to do, to do things with the wrong intentions, and even to lie so that others' opinion of me will not change. It is difficult to talk about my food struggles with people because I don't want them to see me differently. I want to be seen as a strong Christian who always does the right thing. However, this image can sometimes keep people away. People may end up feeling intimidated or judged. This desire to be perfect is self-seeking, not God-seeking. I want others to see Christ in and through me, but if I am busy trying to make myself look perfect, all that people will see is me. When I am honest about my struggles and admit that I can do nothing apart from Christ, that is when God can shine through my life. I need to stop trying to aim for perfection and focus on obedience. I need to stop letting what others think of me determine my actions and my self-worth. My worth is found in Christ and pleasing Him should be my motivation for action.
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. (Galations 1:10)
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