Trying to please everyone is exhausting. It can be frustrating because not everyone shares your priorities. Early on in my journey with God, I was taught that pleasing people was a no-no. A verse from the book of Galatians was often cited as the “text-proof” evidence: Galatians 1:10, the Apostle Paul asks, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or God? Or am I trying to please people?”
I read that verse and I immediately feel guilty…like I’ve blown it again. I’ve always struggled with this. Here’s the reason: I believe God designed me to help, serve, love, coach, mentor, and yes, please people. It’s second nature. Whether it is because of some deep-seated issue I had in my childhood or simply the way God wired me, this is my “go-to” scenario. But balance that with the truth of this statement: You can’t please everyone…ever. Maybe you identify with a popular meme. “Pleasing everyone, that’s impossible. Making everyone angry, piece of cake.”
But here’s what I perceive, and perhaps you do as well. It appears to me that the problem Paul is addressing concerns sacrificing your relationship with Christ to please someone else. The context is evident: “Don’t prioritize pleasing people over pleasing and obeying God. Additionally, don’t employ your “pleasing” abilities to gain approval.” Therefore, manage your relationships effectively and ensure that your relationship priorities are ordered biblically.