The People Pleasing Disease
There is a malady that many, many people are afflicted with that... unfortunately, there is not a prescription for. Well, on second thought, there probably is a very practical prescription but, we will get to that later.
So what is this peculiar malady? It's called the "people pleasing disease."
Now, someone might say "I've never heard of that.." Well, it's not actually a medical disease but, it is one... I know ... that sounds like a "yogi." So, let's cut to the chase... what is the people pleasing disease?
It's exactly what it sounds like... it's the chronic, acute desire to please people. The symptoms are...
- doing things to make someone happy even though you really don't want to do it.
- having difficulty saying "no" ...
- purchasing something just to please someone.
The list could go on and on but you get the picture.
So, do you have the "people pleasing disease?"
If you said "yes" you aren't alone. Lots and lots and lots of people do and.. it can make you miserable.
You end up living your life just to make everyone else happy. So, your life is basically dictated by others. That's miserable.
Now... just to be TOTALLY honest and all that... I have a LOT of people pleaser in me. I think most ministers do. We want people to like us so... we end up doing things to try to please a lot of people and you can't do it.
I'm reminded of a quote; "I don't know the secret to success but the secret to failure is trying to please everybody."
I agree with that 100%.
So, if you have this disease, what do you do?
First, you are not alone. Lots and lots of people have this. So, don't feel like you are the lone ranger... no, lots of people have this.
Second, determine to do the right thing and trust the Lord with the results. You are not going to please everybody. I repeat; You are not going to please everybody. Ain't gonna happen. Some of the people you are trying to please are NEVER going to be happy. Just accept that and move on. Guess what? You can go through life trying to please someone who is never going to be happy and... you never succeed. It doesn't matter what you do.. they won't be happy. So, do the right thing and trust the Lord.
Third, and this is the biggest; there is one person you need to worry about pleasing and that's God. If you please God don't worry about everyone else.
A couple of months ago Rick Stanley preached in our church. I was talking with him about a decision I was facing. After explaining the situation Rick said "There are really only two people that matter and that's God and Holli." He was right. As long as the Lord and my wife were happy, it really didn't matter what anyone else thought."
Stephen Furtick in his book Sun Stand Still says "He who lives by the approval of others will die for lack of the same."
So, determine to please God and let the chips fall...
Thanks for posting this Brother Gregg. I would like to print this for Mama and Daddy, if it is OK. Let me know if it is OK.. I'll wait to hear from you.
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Tonia: It's fine to print it out for your mom and dad.
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