Discern and Overcome Common TemptationsSample

When Pleasing Others Replaces Pleasing God

Temptations: People-pleasing & Compromise

One of the most deceptive temptations is the desire to please people more than God. It often starts innocently. We want to do well, to be appreciated, to be liked and accepted. It can also be used to keep the peace when dealing with an abusive or angry person. However, when pleasing others begins to rule our lives, we are in trouble. Slowly but surely, compromise will begin to enter our lives. We can fall into the trap of bending our moral standards or watering down our convictions to be accepted, especially at work. At first, we may think it is just this one time. We are falling into sin when we keep on making room for ‘just one more time.’

How do we break free from this? We have to assess what we really want from life, one year from now, five years from now. Living for the applause of people right now will slowly deteriorate our sensitivity to the voice of the Holy Spirit, and we do not want that to happen! Make a choice today to write down areas of your life where you have allowed yourself to fall into this temptation. And then take some time in prayerful consideration of each point before the Lord, repenting of everything that separates you from His love and experiencing His presence.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, help me to seek Your approval above that of man. Reveal to me every instance in my life where I have fallen prey to the temptation of pleasing others and have started compromising. Strengthen me to stand firm. Restore my sensitivity to hear Your voice. Amen.