Many people are perfectionists who labor under condemnation even though the Bible says, “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1 NIV). Self-condemnation distorts the conscience and keeps us from living in recovery as God intends. Those of us who are perfectionists are not led but are driven. We constantly look for affirmation. We tend to be people-pleasers. We have turned up the volume of perfectionist demands for so long that it is now difficult to hear God’s truth as He guides us into the knowledge of all truth.
God created us to live for Him and has a specific plan for each of us. When our conscience is shaped by a wounded spirit we will find we are mechanically acting out of people pleasing motives, rather than God pleasing love.
If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10 NIV).
Here are some things we think or say that indicate people pleasing is likely active in our lives:
· I try to be who someone wants me to be.
· I am afraid to rock the boat.
· It is hard for me to know what I want.
· I avoid speaking my mind.
· I find it easier to go along with what someone wants or with their opinion.
· It is difficult for me to say “No.”
· I try to be nice rather than expressing how I really feel.
· I want everyone to get along.
The key to living in recovery with a blameless conscience is to seek to know and affirm who God says we are, regardless of the opinions of others. As we turn our will and our life over to the care of God, He can be trusted to give us hope and a future.
Jesus said, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32 NLT)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Please give me the desire and the will to trust You so that my conscience may be reprogrammed with truth. I want to follow You, and the directions You give through Your Word. Amen
©2017 Partners in Hope
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