Why Do I Care So Much About What People Think? | Walking With Jesus Through the Life of Saul, Ep. 1
Have you ever walked into a room and immediately started wondering what everyone thought about you?
Do I fit in? Did I say something wrong? Do they like me? Am I enough?
Maybe you've held back an opinion at work because you didn't want to upset anyone. Or you've compared your life to someone on social media and suddenly felt like you weren't doing enough.
The truth is, most of us care more about people's opinions than we'd like to admit.
But what happens when our need for approval starts affecting the way we live?
Even Saul Struggled With His Identity
When we first meet Saul in the Bible, he isn't the proud king we often remember. He actually seems unsure of himself.
When Samuel tells him that God has chosen him, Saul responds:
"Am I not a Benjamite, from the least of the tribes of Israel?" (1 Samuel 9:21)
In other words, Why would God choose someone like me?
Yet God chose him anyway.
Later, when the nation gathered to meet its new king, Saul was nowhere to be found. According to 1 Samuel 10:22, he was hiding among the baggage.
Imagine being chosen for something significant and hiding when it's time to step forward!
We may not hide behind actual luggage, but we have our own hiding places.
Sometimes it's busyness, perfectionism, achievements, humor, or pretending everything is fine because we're afraid people won't accept the real us.
Are You Living for Acceptance?
The problem with constantly seeking approval is that people's opinions eventually begin controlling our decisions.
One compliment makes our day. One criticism makes us question everything.
The Apostle Paul challenges this thinking in Galatians 1:10:
"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?"
People matter, but their opinions should never determine our worth.
Look at Jesus.
Before He preached a sermon or performed a public miracle, the Father declared:
"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17)
Jesus lived from the Father's acceptance, not for the approval of others.
And through Christ, we can learn to do the same.
You don't have to impress everyone, compete with someone else's success, or constantly prove that you're enough.
You can receive correction, celebrate others, and pursue your calling without allowing people's opinions to define you.
Here's something worth asking yourself today:
What have you been hiding behind because you're measuring your worth by other people's opinions instead of God's love for you?
Maybe it's time to come out from behind the baggage.
Watch the Full Teaching
Walking With Jesus Through the Life of Saul | Episode 1
Join Pastor Bank as we explore people pleasing, identity, and learning to live from God's acceptance rather than constantly seeking approval.
Watch the full episode on the T3 Workplace Ministry YouTube channel.
Visit https://www.t3wm.org for more biblical wisdom for work, leadership, and everyday life.
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