In Luke 9:26 I read, “Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” (NIV)
One day I’ll give an account of my life before God. This is the best antidote to being a people pleaser.
When I have that kind of long-term thinking, and when I keep in mind that I’ll one day stand before God, it changes me. It changes what I say, what I do, and who I try to impress. It’s the people pleaser antidote.
When I take that long look, and realize I will be giving an account for every word and action from each day, I begin to consider, “Which is more important, God’s approval or the approval of people around me?”
My human nature wants to compromise, divert, punt, and leave out the truth. It’s tempting to say things like, “I just leave that up to God” or “Everybody has to make up their own mind.” But those are people pleasing cop-outs.
In those moments, when I could say something that wouldn’t offend but would be a lie, there are three things I can do.
First, remember what Jesus Christ did for me on the cross. He didn’t deny me. He didn’t back away. He died for my sins. My life belongs to him. He created and saved me. He forgave me. He’s taking me to heaven. Why would I deny him?
Second, remember that one day I’ll give an account to God. God will ask, “What did you say in that conversation at work? What did you say to your friend at school? What did you say during a family dinner?” Integrity is more important than popularity. And I shouldn’t give up my integrity.
Finally, tell the truth, no matter the consequences.
As I walk in faith with Jesus, I need to practice doing these three things. They’re the guides I need to live with integrity, not for popularity.
In summary, if I’m ashamed of Jesus and his words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of me when he returns. One day I’ll give an account of my life before God. This thought is the best antidote to being a people pleaser. When I have that kind of long-term thinking, and when I keep that in mind. It changes what I say, what I do, and who I try to impress. When I take that long look, and realize I will be giving an account for every word and action, I begin to consider, “Which is more important, God’s approval or the approval of people around me?” My human nature wants to compromise, divert, punt, and leave out the truth. It’s tempting to say, “I just leave that up to God” or “Everybody has to make up their own mind.” But those are only people pleasing cop-outs. When I could say something that wouldn’t offend but would be a lie, there are three things I can do. First, remember what Jesus Christ did for me on the cross. He didn’t deny me. He didn’t back away. He died for my sins. My life belongs to him. He created and saved me. He forgave me. He’s taking me to heaven. Why would I deny him? Second, one day I’ll give an account to God. God will ask, “What did you say in that conversation? My integrity is more important than popularity. And I should never give up my integrity. Finally, tell the truth, no matter the consequences. As I walk in faith with Jesus, I need to practice doing these three things. They’re the guides I need to live with integrity, not for popularity.
Father, I need you in my life. Please give me Your strength for today and remind me in little ways that I can always believe in, have faith and can trust you in everything. This includes being the authority for my life, the source of my self-worth and my hope for the future. You have my best interests in mind. So I ask you to help me to embrace the way you’ve made me; my gifting and passions. I want to serve and fulfill the mission you have in mind for me. Father, through the Holy Spirit within me I ask for the continuous reminder that my integrity is more important than my popularity. I ask for wisdom and guidance in this as well as for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, my preparation for my new future job, finishing well in my old one, and for leading a small group. I ask these things through you Son Jesus’ name, Amen.
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