What Does the Bible Say About People Pleasing and The Fear of Man?

by | Articles, Struggles

Introduction

The fear of man, or the excessive concern for others’ opinions, is a common struggle that can hinder personal growth and authenticity. The Bible offers profound insights on how to overcome the fear of man, embracing a liberated and God-centered perspective. This exploration delves into the scriptures, unveiling timeless wisdom on finding freedom from the fear of man through the lens of biblical teachings.

Idolatry of Human Approval

The quest for approval from others can subtly transform into a form of idolatry, where pleasing people takes precedence over pleasing God. Scripture provides clear warnings and wisdom regarding this misplaced priority.

  • Human Approval vs. Divine Service: Galatians 1:10 (ESV): “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

Here, Paul confronts the Galatians and us with a pivotal choice: Whose approval do we seek? This verse challenges the believer to consider whether their actions are driven by a desire to please others or to serve Christ, emphasizing that these two motivations are often mutually exclusive.

  • The Allure of Human Praise: John 12:43 (ESV): “For they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.”

This passage reflects a poignant reality of human nature – the propensity to crave human praise over divine glory. It serves as a caution against the seductive lure of human accolades, urging believers to prioritize God’s glory in their lives.

  • External Piety for Show: Matthew 23:5-7 (ESV): “They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces.”

Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their ostentatious display of piety, highlighting the emptiness of actions performed solely for human admiration. This critique is a powerful reminder that genuine faith and devotion should not be reduced to external shows for human validation.

  • Fear Over Obedience: 1 Samuel 15:24 (ESV): “Saul said to Samuel, ‘I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.'”

King Saul’s admission to Samuel encapsulates the destructive nature of valuing human opinion over divine command. His fear of people led him to disobey God, illustrating the perilous consequences of allowing the fear of man to override obedience to God.

Wisdom and Folly

The Scriptures often juxtapose the wisdom of fearing God with the folly of fearing man. This section examines how biblical wisdom guides us away from human-centered fears towards a God-centered understanding.

  • The Trap of Human Fear: Proverbs 29:25 (ESV): “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”

This Proverb warns of the danger in fearing man—a trap leading to spiritual and moral pitfalls. In contrast, it promotes trust in the Lord as the path to safety. It encourages believers to find security not in human approval but in God’s steadfast love and truth.

  • Fear of the Lord as a Fountain of Life: Proverbs 14:27 (ESV): “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.”

Here, the ‘fear of the Lord’ is depicted not as a paralyzing dread but as a life-giving source. It offers a way to escape the deadly snares associated with the fear of man. This verse highlights the life-affirming joy and wisdom that comes from revering God.

  • Life in Godly Fear: Proverbs 19:23 (ESV): “The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.”

This verse further emphasizes the life-sustaining power of fearing God. It assures that those who live in awe of the Lord will find contentment and protection—a stark contrast to the anxiety and harm that often accompany the fear of man.

  • The Ultimate Conclusion: Ecclesiastes 12:13 (ESV): “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”

The book of Ecclesiastes concludes with this profound statement, distilling life’s purpose to fearing God and keeping His commandments. It underscores the futility of human-centered concerns, directing us towards the fulfillment found in revering and obeying God.

Integrity of Belief and Action

True faith in God calls for a harmony between what we believe and how we act. This section explores biblical passages that emphasize the need for congruence between belief and action, challenging the dissonance often found in people pleasing.

  • Active Faith: James 1:22-24 (ESV): “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.”

James stresses the importance of living out the teachings of the Bible, not just listening to them. This metaphor of a man looking in a mirror and forgetting his appearance underscores the folly in hearing the word without applying it to our lives. It’s a powerful call to action, urging believers to embody their faith through deeds, not just words.

  • Building on a Solid Foundation: Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV): “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

Jesus uses the parable of building a house on rock versus sand to illustrate the stability that comes from applying His teachings. This narrative encourages us to build our lives on the solid foundation of Christ’s words, ensuring resilience against life’s challenges, unlike the instability that comes from seeking human approval.

  • Doers of the Law: Romans 2:13 (ESV): “For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.”

Paul makes a clear distinction between merely hearing the law and actively doing it. This verse highlights the importance of living out the Christian faith authentically, aligning one’s actions with God’s commands rather than conforming to human expectations.

  • Love in Action: 1 John 3:18 (ESV): “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”

John emphasizes the need for genuine, active love that goes beyond words. This exhortation to love in deed and truth challenges superficial expressions of faith often motivated by people pleasing. It calls for a sincere demonstration of love that reflects God’s love for us.

Eternal Perspective

The Bible teaches the value of an eternal perspective, emphasizing the fleeting nature of human praise compared to the lasting reward from God. This section delves into scriptures that encourage looking beyond the temporal to the eternal.

  • Transcending Earthly Recognition: Matthew 6:1 (ESV): “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.”

Jesus warns against the performative practice of righteousness for earthly recognition. He highlights the emptiness of such acts when they are done solely for human admiration, urging us to seek the unseen, eternal reward from our Heavenly Father instead.

  • Working for the Lord: Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

This passage encourages believers to dedicate their work to the Lord rather than seeking human approval. It reminds us that our ultimate reward comes from God, not from human accolades, realigning our motivations and efforts towards serving Christ with sincerity and passion.

  • Laying up Treasures in Heaven: Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV): “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…”

In this teaching, Jesus contrasts earthly treasures with heavenly ones, urging us to invest in what is eternal. He directs our focus away from the transient and corruptible rewards of this world, guiding us towards the enduring and incorruptible treasures in heaven.

  • Focusing on the Unseen: 2 Corinthians 4:18 (ESV): “As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

Paul encourages a focus on the eternal and unseen realities of God’s kingdom over the temporary and visible aspects of this world. This verse calls us to a faith that transcends the immediate gratification of human approval, anchoring our hope and efforts in the eternal promises of God.

Divine Approval

In our journey of faith, seeking God’s approval is paramount. This section reflects on scriptures that guide us to prioritize God’s commendation over human validation.

  • God’s Commendation as True Approval: 2 Corinthians 10:18 (ESV): “For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.”

Apostle Paul emphasizes that true approval doesn’t stem from self or others, but from God. This verse encourages believers to seek divine commendation, which holds eternal value, rather than being swayed by the fleeting praises of people.

  • Living by Faith in Christ: Galatians 2:20 (ESV): “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Paul’s declaration of faith illustrates a life lived for Christ’s approval, not man’s. His words reflect the transformative power of faith in Jesus, guiding us to live in a manner that pleases God, beyond mere human expectations.

  • Pleasing God as Our Aim: 1 Thessalonians 2:4 (ESV): “But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.”

This verse highlights the responsibility of carrying the Gospel, done not for human approval but to please God. It reminds us that our ultimate goal in all endeavors should be to align with God’s will, as He is the one who truly knows and tests our hearts.

  • Spirit-Led Life: Romans 8:8-9 (ESV): “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you.”

Paul distinguishes between living according to the flesh, which cannot please God, and living by the Spirit. This passage calls us to a Spirit-led life, one that seeks to please God above all else, transcending the limitations and approvals of the fleshly realm.

The Role of the Body of Christ in Affirmation

The Christian community plays a significant role in encouraging each other to seek divine approval rather than human validation. This section looks at scriptures that highlight how believers can support one another in this endeavor.

  • Pleasing God in Ministry: 1 Thessalonians 2:4 (ESV): “But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.”

Paul reminds the Thessalonians that their ministry’s aim is to please God, not people. This verse serves as a call to the Christian community to support and encourage each other in ministries and endeavors that prioritize God’s approval over human applause.

  • Encouraging Edifying Speech: Ephesians 4:29 (ESV): “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

This verse underscores the importance of edifying communication within the Christian community. It guides believers to use words that build up and encourage one another in faith, promoting a culture that values divine approval over pleasing people.

  • Transforming Renewal: Romans 12:2 (ESV): “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

In this exhortation, Paul encourages believers not to conform to worldly patterns of seeking approval but to be transformed by renewing their minds. This transformation helps discern God’s will, guiding the community to encourage each other in pursuing what is truly good and pleasing to God.

  • Stirring Up Good Works: Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

The writer of Hebrews calls believers to motivate each other towards love and good deeds. This scripture emphasizes the role of the Christian community in fostering an environment where seeking God’s approval is encouraged and celebrated, especially as the return of Christ approaches.

The Contrast of Fear

Understanding the distinction between fearing God and fearing man is crucial in Christian faith. This section examines scriptures that highlight this contrast, guiding believers towards a reverential fear of God.

  • Holy Reverence: Isaiah 8:13 (ESV): “But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.”

Isaiah directs our reverence and awe towards God alone, distinguishing it from the fear of man. This verse calls us to recognize God’s holiness and authority, encouraging a fear that is rooted in respect and honor, as opposed to the anxiety and insecurity associated with fearing people.

  • Beginning of Knowledge: Proverbs 1:7 (ESV): “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

This proverb establishes the fear of the Lord as the foundation of true knowledge and wisdom. It contrasts the godly fear that leads to understanding with the folly of rejecting divine wisdom, underscoring the value of reverential awe of God over the pursuit of human approval.

  • A Fountain of Life: Psalm 111:10 (ESV): “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever.”

Echoing the sentiments of Proverbs, this Psalm reaffirms that fearing the Lord is synonymous with wisdom. It depicts this fear as a lifelong pursuit that leads to understanding, emphasizing that unlike fleeting human praise, the praise of God endures forever.

  • Choosing Whom to Fear: Matthew 10:28 (ESV): “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Jesus teaches about the proper object of fear – not those who can harm the body, but God, who holds authority over the soul. This powerful statement guides believers to prioritize their spiritual well-being over physical fears, steering their reverence towards the Almighty.

Transformative Faith

A transformative faith in Christ changes our perspective on seeking approval, steering us from a human-centered focus to a God-centered life. This section explores scriptures that highlight the impact of faith on our quest for approval.

  • Genuine Faith Tested: 1 Peter 1:7 (ESV): “So that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Peter speaks of faith as something precious and enduring, tested and proven genuine through trials. This faith, unlike fleeting human praise, leads to eternal praise, glory, and honor at Christ’s return, highlighting the transformative power of a faith that seeks divine approval.

  • Faith in Action: James 2:22 (ESV): “You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works.”

This verse from James emphasizes that genuine faith is not passive but is evidenced through action. It illustrates that true faith, seeking God’s approval, naturally leads to works that align with God’s will, demonstrating a transformation from seeking human approval to living out a God-pleasing faith.

  • Faith that Pleases God: Hebrews 11:6 (ESV): “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”

The writer of Hebrews declares that faith is essential to pleasing God. This verse encourages believers that faith involves not only believing in God’s existence but also trusting in His rewards, shifting our focus from seeking human approval to earnestly seeking God.

  • Living by Faith: 2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV): “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

Paul summarizes the Christian life as one of faith, not sight. This statement calls believers to live in a way that might not always align with worldly standards or receive human approval but is steadfastly focused on God’s promises and approval.

Conclusion

 In conclusion, the Bible provides profound insights on overcoming the fear of man by seeking God’s approval, finding identity in Christ, recognizing the transience of human opinions, and walking in the freedom and confidence that God’s acceptance brings. By anchoring one’s identity in Christ and prioritizing God’s wisdom, individuals can break free from the snare of approval-seeking, embracing a liberated and God-centered perspective. The scriptures offer a timeless guide for navigating the complexities of human opinions and finding true freedom in God’s unwavering love and approval.