Bible Journal, For the Soul

Practical Tips: How Not to Care About What People Think (PART 1)

 

I, like many other people, often find myself worrying about what others may think of me. This adds unnecessary stress and keeps me from being myself.

  • It later leads to bitterness.
  • It keeps me from pleasing the Lord, being efficient in things that matter- like serving Christ and living my full potential as He wants me to live it.
  • I can lose sight of His plan for my life by trying to please others.

Many people have this inner struggle. It pops up occasionally in everyone’s life, whether we know it or not. 

Here are some practical tips to overcome the struggle. Please read all the Bible verses because they are the most important, core tips! 🙂 

Immersing yourself in the Word

If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples. (John 15:7-8)

Being in the Word and loving Christ more than anything or anybody will keep you from worrying about other people. It is the right foundation, the right anchor. When you are preoccupied with His eternal Word, you will be so satisfied and happy you will not care of the opinion of people. You will have more wisdom and insight into life than worldly believers who do not spend time in God’s Word. God Himself will teach you and guide you how to live your life when you abide in Him. 

Knowing your value in Christ as a child of God

For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26, 28)

When you feel down, or start to worry about how “adequate” you are- remember you are immensely valuable to God! And in the family of God there is no partiality, no differentiation, we all have the same status! Some may be more famous, richer, or more successful than you on earth, but ultimately we are all the same if we are in the family of God! And your eternal spiritual status is all that matters! 

Don’t be a people pleaser

…for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God. (John 12:43)
The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe. (Proverbs 29:25)

Why should we strive to get appreciation from men, glory that is temporary? If we try to please people and model our life in the ways people tell us to, then we will become ensnared– constantly doing what others tell us and becoming bitter. Live a life of freedom in Christ- seeking to please only Him!

Recognizing your uniqueness

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. (Psalm 139:14)

You may not be the  “-est”,  like the smartest, richest, strongest, most organized, most beautiful, most successful, but you are the Only! You are unique. Your character is unique. Nobody will ever be you, or live your life. I really like this quote: “why try to fit in, when you were custom made?” Embrace your beautiful, unique, only self! And praise the Lord for giving you life! 

Claiming God’s Promises

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Knowing God has amazing plans for your life will raise you up over the words of people, over their opinions, suggestions or judgmental attitudes. You will have peace and joy knowing your heavenly Father has made you exactly how He wants you to be, and placed you exactly where you are supposed to be,  and gave you exactly what you need to be you, if you trust in Him. 

Avoiding comparison

A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones. (Proverbs 14:30)
But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, (Galatians 6:4)

Comparing yourself to others will only ruin your Christian walk, steal your joy, make you bitter, and may lead you to decisions that are not according to God’s will. You will be pursuing different things (houses, cars, jobs, fashion, you-name-it), to compete with your neighbor. Comparison will make you ungrateful for what God has already given you. 

 

To be Continued…

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