Focus on Pleasing God, Not People

In 1 Thessalonians 2:4 I read, “Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.” (NLT)

God made me to be me, not what my parents wanted me to be or even a spouse, boss, or friend would want me to be.

God wants me to be exactly who he created me to be. That means I have to refuse to be defined by others.

Hebrews 11:24 says, “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter” (NIV).

Moses had an identity crisis. He was born a Hebrew slave but raised as Egyptian royalty, the grandson of Pharaoh. When he grew up, he had two choices: He could pretend to be Pharaoh’s grandson for the rest of his life and live with luxury, fame, and power. Or he could admit who he really was: a Jew. If he did, his family would kick him out to live with slaves the rest of his life. He would be disgraced and humiliated and live a life of pain and drudgery.

Which choice would I make?

Most people today are living lies. They’re trying to be people they’re not. But Moses refused to live a lie because he was a man of integrity. Against all kinds of peer pressure, he insisted on being who God made him to be.

I should consider who am I allowing to determine my identity?

Some have parents who died years ago, but they're still trying to live up to their expectations. Some are hanging on to what an ex-husband or ex-wife said to them, and trying to prove that person wrong. Some are trying to keep up with what the culture says they should be.

But the Bible says this: “Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4 NLT).

Choose to be who God made me to be. Simply say, “I resolve to no longer let other people press me into their mold. I’m going to do what God wants me to do and fulfill the plan he has for my life, not somebody else’s plan for my life.”

That is real success in life. God wants me to be exactly who he created me to be and nothing more.

In summary, my purpose is to please God, not people. For He alone examines the motives of my heart. God made me to be me, not what others would want me to be. He wants me to be exactly who he created me to be. Therefore I have to refuse to be defined by others. Don’t live a lie trying to be someone I’m not. Moses refused to live a lie because he was a man of integrity. Against all kinds of peer pressure, he insisted on being who God made him to be. So I should consider who am I allowing to determine and influence my identity? Who’s expectations am I trying to live my life for? My purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of my heart. Choose to be who God made me to be. Resolve to no longer let other people press me into their mold. Do what God wants me to do and fulfill the plan he has for my life, not somebody else’s. Success is being who God wants and created me to be. Nothing more.

Father, thank you for Your Word and Jesus as my savior and example. You want me and 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 in 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. Help me to serve and fulfill the mission you have in mind for me. 

Today, I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, doing well and making a difference in others lives. I pray all these things through your Son Jesus’ name, Amen.