When I was in high school eons ago, I tried out for the school musical Guys and Dolls. Somehow, someway, I landed the part of silky smooth Sky Masterson – one of the main characters.
It was an incredible experience I look back on and just smile. Acting and singing in front of hundreds was nerve racking, yet quite thrilling. Nothing really beats making a crowd of people laugh and applaud at your performance.
On this stage called life, we are all characters living a real life story. And, whether we realize it or not, we tend to separate people into two categories:
People who are impressed by us
And
People who are not impressed by us
Which begs the question: Are we living or performing?
Sure, it feels good to have respect and meet people’s expectations and inspire others and make them laugh and smile. There’s nothing wrong with striving to please people and winning some street cred.
But I don’t know about you – it is simply exhausting to be in “performance mode” for too long. Every day is an emotional rollercoaster ride of insecurities, up and down based on the reactions of others. We think, “Is he impressed by me? What did he mean by that remark? I can’t believe he didn’t thank me or pat me on the back?”
Before we know it, the success of our day is dependent upon how many people were impressed by us. Is this really a way to live? Is this really a way to treat others?
Here’s the reality: Our need to impress makes us grow less.
When we perform our life, we find ourselves on a cul de sac – where are potential is restricted, stunted, and greatly limited.
When we live our life, we find ourselves on an open highway – where are potential skyrockets, our dreams get bigger, and our relationships are healthier.
The Apostle Paul writes these words in Galatians 1:10, “Am I trying to win the approval of God or of humans? Or am I trying to please people? If I am trying to please people I am not a servant of Christ.”
Jesus even said in John 5:44, “How can you believe if you only accept praise from one another while not accepting praise from your Only God?”
Who is your audience? People or God?
Here’s the ironic reality: When we live to please God, we end up pleasing people more than if we lived to please people.
May God be our master, not people. May the love of God compel our words and actions, not the applause and approval of others.
May we not give people the kind of power that controls our every move. Only God can handle that kind of power.
So no matter how many times we forget our lines or fall off stage or wear the wrong wardrobe, he still waits to congratulate us and remind us that we are loved and accepted by Him.
You see, our identity isn’t based on our performance – it’s based on His promise.
So may we live to please God, but may we know that He already loves us and always will, no matter our performance.