I’ve lived most of my life caring about what people think of me. It has held me back from voicing my opinion in a lot of situations. This past year I’ve focused my efforts on not worrying so much about what people think of me. Instead of worrying all the time about pleasing people, I’ve started focusing my thoughts on how I can please God. I ask this question often, “Are the things I’m doing, saying and experiencing glorifying God or are they taking away my joy and adding worry?”
This past weekend I ventured out on my own and attended the Bethel Music Wild Love Event, in Jacksonville, Florida. I was so pleasantly overwhelmed by just how excited everyone was to be worshiping God. No one cared what everyone else thought of them and it was quite amazing. We were all there seeking the same thing…to have an encounter with God. I wanted to jump, shout and just worship God, but my mind was holding me back. I kept having thoughts like, “did I do that right, do I look silly dancing around, what do people think of me.” What’s even funnier is how quick people are to jump and shout at concerts while listening to their favorite band. I’m guilty of this too. Yet, when it comes to worshipping our creator, we just stand there at church.
“Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.”
Galatians 1:10 NLT
It was an eye opening experience for me. The second night of the event, I too was jumping, shouting and raising my hands. That night, I had so much fun and I experienced God’s presence more than ever. I declared that I would not care so much about what people think of me because I do not live to please people. That feels amazing to say!
Everyday I will strive to show my gratitude to God. My identity is no longer in what people think of me, but rather in who God says I am. It’s okay to honor and help people, but we need to stop caring so much about what the world thinks of us. I know without a shadow of doubt that those worldly labels will start to fade away as you start believing in the things God says about you.
I’ll end this post with one of my favorites from Bethel Music! It’s so good!
