Let Go Of Others’ Opinions

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10)
 
So many of us would consider ourselves people-pleasers. We’re always concerned about what other people are saying or thinking about the way we live our lives. We’re afraid people will notice, judge, or laugh at our decision making. But if you spend your whole life worried about trying to please everybody else, you’ll miss out on what it is God wants you to do.  
 
Brene Brown says most people are incarcerated in life because they allow the power of shame and fear – the same of what someone might say about them, the fear that people might discover they have flaws – keep them from doing what God wants them to do. They allow the thoughts of other people, the judgments of other people, and the opinions of other people to define them and keep them in bondage.  
 
When this happens, they never pursue the promotion for fear that someone will say they aren’t qualified. They never ask someone out on a date for fear they’ll be turned down. It’s easier for them to sit in a corner and have a pity party, thinking no one will find them attractive and no one will appreciate their gifts, than to step out in faith to see if their dreams will come to pass.  
 
This is where we must be careful. We can’t ever assume to know how the story is going to end. Only God knows how your life will turn out. Only He knows what each chapter and season will hold. So don’t let anyone tell you what you cannot do, what you cannot be, and what you cannot accomplish. God is the only one who can define you. Don’t give anyone else that power.