Are you afraid of people?

Have you conquered the fear of death yet? I know that you will because living the fearless life requires that you defeat death: “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55, NIV) 

Today, let’s tackle another enemy of our joy, peace, and courage: the fear of people. The Bible says, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” (Proverbs 29:25, NIV) 

How much time do you spend worrying about what other people think? Do you remember playing that old game with the flower petals: “He loves me, he loves me not, he loves me, he loves me not”? Could it be that society trained us to be codependent, enablers, and people pleasers? Hey sister, did you wear that dress because you love it or because someone special might notice you? Hey brother, did you buy that car so the ladies will love you or because you love it?

People-pleasing leads to insecurity and anxiety because ultimately, we can’t control other people. If you are insecure, it may be because your foundation is based on the opinion of others or the crowd. The Bible says, “But Jesus would not entrust Himself to them, for He knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for He knew what was in each person.” (John 2:24-25, NIV)  

Please don’t get me wrong—please love others and show compassion and generosity—but don’t base your value on what others think. My daughter Christine recently said, “Dad, you do you, Boo.” I know she said it in jest (and I’m sure that I am using it in the wrong context), but it struck a chord in me. You can’t please anybody if you don’t love and honor God and yourself. Jesus clearly said, “‘“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” The second is this: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no commandment greater than these.’” (Mark 12:30-31, NIV)

So here’s a little homework assignment to help you conquer the fear of people and everything that it produces. Declare three things every day: 

1. I’m forgiven by God.
2. God loves me and has a wonderful plan for my life.
3. Holy Spirit, I ask You to fill me with gifts and blessings that I can share with others.

You will begin to “Do you, Boo” because Boo is a miracle.