Why Do We Care So Much?
January 4, 2026
“The fear of mankind is a snare, but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected.” Proverbs 29:25 (CSB)
People-pleasing is a prison you build yourself.
“1Paul, an apostle—not from men or by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead— 2and all the brothers who are with me … Galatians 1:1-2 (CSB)
Paul’s calling didn’t come from people, so his identity couldn’t be controlled by people.
“3Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, 4who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father. 5To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 6I am amazed that you are so quickly turning away from Him who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7not that there is another gospel, but there are some who are troubling you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, a curse be on him! 9As we have said before, I now say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, a curse be on him!” Galatians 1:3-9 (CSB)
“For am I now trying to persuade people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 (CSB)
#1 – The Pull of Approval
#2 – The Problem with People-Pleasing
- People-pleasing makes you a mirror, not a masterpiece. (You stop being a person and start being a performer.)
- People-pleasing makes their opinion your master.
- People-pleasing turns conviction into compromise.
“If you live for people’s acceptance, you’ll die from their rejection.” – Lecrae
#3 – The Power of Obedience
“I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 (CSB)
You can’t be a slave to opinions and a servant of Christ at the same time.
#4 – The Promise of Freedom
“The fear of mankind is a snare, but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected.” Proverbs 29:25 (CSB)
Never let someone who didn’t design you rewrite your identity.
When Christ’s approval becomes enough, people’s opinions lose their power.
Three quick measures to break free from pleasing people:
1. Name the voice you're living for.
2. Obey God in one hard place this week.
3. Anchor your identity in Christ every morning.
God’s voice > their approval
God’s calling > their critique
God’s truth > their opinions
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