Are you a people pleaser? Let’s find out. Here’s a little self-test—ten signs that you may be trying too hard to please everyone. This is from psychologytoday.com, so granted, it’s not inerrant. But some good food for thought. Be honest. Ready?

1. You pretend to agree with everyone.

2. You feel responsible for how other people feel.

3. You apologize often.

4. You feel burdened by the things you have to do.

5. You can’t say no.

6. You feel uncomfortable if someone is angry with you.

7. You act like the people around you.

8. You need praise to feel good.

9. You go to great lengths to avoid conflict.

10. You don’t admit when your feelings are hurt.

God knew the danger of people pleasing long before Psychology Today. Pleasing people is a no-win proposition that leaves you exhausted, distracted, and wandering far from God’s path. Paul said that if his aim was only to please people, he could never please God (Gal. 1:10). Here’s how the writer of this proverb explains it. 

Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.

Fear man and get caught in a trap. Trust God and experience safety and security. The choice is clear.

Father, keep me from the trap of pleasing people, the snare of caring way too much about what others think. Forgive me for trying to impress, for needing praise, for never saying “no” for fear of hurting someone’s feelings or letting them down. I desire to please you, not people. I desire to know the safety of trusting in you—alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.