“One key to failure is to try to please everyone.”

A thought by Rick Warren, (2012-10-23) from his book, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? (p. 39). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

Have you found yet that trying to please everyone is an impossible situation? You just can’t do it.

As a Pastor I knew I was in trouble when I tried to preach sermons that everyone would like. And the music was a major hassle. No way could I please everyone. Have you found that even striving to please yourself can be a problem? I mean what I want right now can change in an hour. My mood changes and there I am.

Rick says, “Many people are driven by the need for approval. They allow the expectations of parents or spouses or children or teachers or friends to control their lives. Many adults are still trying to earn the approval of unpleasable parents. Others are driven by peer pressure, always worried by what others might think. Unfortunately, those who follow the crowd usually get lost in it.”

Jesus knew that this would be a problem. He said in Matthew 6: 24 (NLT), “No one can serve two masters.” And you can’t.

And then Rick says, “Being controlled by the opinions of others is a guaranteed way to miss God’s purposes for your life.” And there is the key. When you find God’s purpose for your life and you strive to do it you will then find tremendous freedom.

That is another of the tremendous benefits of having a relationship with Christ. He gives you a purpose, a reason to get up every morning. Even at 67 I am still living out His purpose for my life. And that makes life worth living.

So what is your purpose?

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