NOT PLEASING OTHERS
Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.
Ephesians 6:6 (NIV)
We all want people to like us, but it's easy for that to get out of control. When we become people pleasers, it dictates how we live our lives. Instead of doing things for God's glory, we do them for others. It's not necessarily wrong to want recognition, but we must look at our motivations.
I remember wanting a promotion at a previous job. It was something I felt I deserved, so I did everything I could to make sure I was the one chosen for this opportunity. I made sure that every bit of work that I did was as visible as possible. Every day I made sure my boss could see me working hard and getting everything done. My motivations were not where they needed to be. I just kept trying to get the promotion for status and money. I didn't get the promotion because it was clear I was just showing off to impress my boss.
God has given us all gifts. Some of us are great teachers or athletes, while others are writers or accountants. When we use our gifts humbly and honor God with them, then we are living as God wants us to. Our hearts and minds should be focused on God, and from that will come the fruit of these gifts. Others will see how you live and how you work, and this will be a way to show others how God has worked in your life. Then you can share Jesus with those around you.
APPLICATION: As you go about your days this week, check your motivations and your actions. How are you acting at work? Are your actions God-honoring or self-honoring? Make an effort each day to include God in your work and let others see Him shining through in all that you do.
PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for the gifts that You have given me. Help me use them in my work each and every day, not seeking approval from others, but honoring You in all that I do. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?