When Pleasing People Becomes a Prison

Seek the approval of One, not the applause of many—even when it costs you something.

“For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.”
— Galatians 1:10, NKJV

People pleasing is a subtle trap. It may look like kindness or peacemaking, but more often than not, it’s driven by fear of rejection, desire for approval, or a need to be accepted at all costs. When that desire overrides our obedience to God, it becomes sinful.

And here’s the truth we often avoid:
Sometimes doing the right thing means disappointing people.

1. Obedience to God Will Sometimes Offend People

“Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets.”
— Luke 6:26, NKJV
If everyone always approves of you, it’s a sign something might be off. The prophets spoke truth and were hated for it. Jesus walked in perfect love and was still rejected. If we are going to follow Him, we must accept that obedience will sometimes bring offense.

2. The Fear of Man Is a Trap

“The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.”
— Proverbs 29:25, NKJV
When we let fear of what others think dictate our actions, we become trapped. We stop living authentically and begin living strategically—trying to please instead of being holy (set apart).

3. Pleasing God May Cost You Relationships

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.”
— Matthew 10:34, NKJV
Standing for what’s right might mean losing favor with people you care about. It might mean saying “no” to things others want you to say “yes” to. Jesus said that following Him would divide households—and He meant it. But standing for truth is always worth the cost.

4. Jesus Himself Displeased Many to Obey the Father

“Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.”
— Luke 22:42, NKJV
Jesus was misunderstood, mocked, abandoned—even by His closest friends. Yet He chose to obey the Father, not please the crowd. If Jesus displeased others for the sake of righteousness, we will too.

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Lesson to Be Learned:

There will be times when pleasing God and pleasing people cannot coexist. In those moments, you must decide: whose opinion matters most? If you’re always saying “yes” to people, you’ll end up saying “no” to God. True discipleship means choosing obedience over popularity—even when it’s uncomfortable, even when it costs you approval, and even when it hurts.

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Questions for Journaling & Introspection:

1. If there is someone whose approval you’ve been chasing more than God’s, then what is the reason?
2. When has the fear of rejection ever stopped you from doing what you knew was right?
3. What relationship(s) might be tested if you start standing for truth more boldly?
4. How would your life look different if you truly lived for God’s opinion alone?
5. What’s one area this week where you can stop people pleasing and start obeying?

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Verses for Meditation (NKJV):

• Galatians 1:10 – “If I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.”
• Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men…”
• 2 Timothy 4:3-4 – “They will not endure sound doctrine… and they will turn their ears away from the truth…”
• Acts 5:29 – “We ought to obey God rather than men.”

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Main Goal Today:

To break free from the need to be liked, and instead pursue being faithful. Recognize that doing the right thing may upset people, but it will never disappoint God. He alone must be your measuring stick.

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Closing Prayer:

Abba Father,
I repent for the times I’ve made people’s approval more important than Yours. Help me to walk in bold obedience, even when it makes others uncomfortable—or when it costs me relationships. Teach me to love truth more than acceptance and to value Your voice above all others. Give me the courage to stand firm, the humility to speak truth in love, and the strength to remain faithful no matter who walks away.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.