Should we care about what other people think about us? To an extent, yes. Other people's perspectives can be a source of guidance and encouragement. But we should be wary of becoming so reliant on them that we end up making choices which conflict with those that will please God. As straightforward as that may seem, we can all recall times when we've become overly concerned with what other people think of us to the point that it's caused us to do something we're not proud of.
From succumbing to peer pressure to keeping up with the Joneses, we know all too well the power of doing things for the wrong reasons. If you're wrestling with pleasing God over impressing people, these nine Bible verses are great encouragement to make sure it's God first every time.
1 Samuel 15:24 - Then Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned. I violated the Lord's command and your instructions. I was afraid of the men and so I gave in to them."
Psalm 146:3-4 - Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.
Isaiah 2:22 - Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?
Matthew 6:2 - So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honoured by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.
Matthew 10:28 - Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
John 12:42-43 - Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God.
Romans 12:1-2 - Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Galatians 1:10 - 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.
Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
