Was Jesus a People Pleaser? by B J Bassett

Was Jesus a People Pleaser?

Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:31 NIV

I've read articles like 10 Things to Help You Stop Being a People Pleaser. Yet, I enjoy pleasing others. Is it in my genes, or was I taught that trait? I've questioned my motives: am I afraid of not living up to others' expectations of me? Or am I trying to live by the verse "Do to others as you would have them do to you"? I enjoy doing good deeds, and I can't imagine being rude or blunt. It isn't in my character. Because I never allow someone to use me, I believe I have a healthy balance in my life of meeting my own needs as well as pleasing others.

Jesus had thousands of followers. He gave them nourishment, and He also fed their souls. He healed the sick and performed miracles. He certainly must have pleased them to want to be with Him. The multitude followed Jesus, and He was honest. Can a person be a people pleaser as well as be honest?

God created us in His image, including our personalities. Whether you're a people pleaser or not, embrace how God created you.

Father, I thank You for creating me just as I am. Help me follow Your example as I please You and others. Amen.

An Excerpt from The King’s Daughters

BJ Bassett

B. J. Bassett encourages others as an author, teacher and speaker. Her books include a contemporary novel, Gillian’s Heart; a historical novel Lily; Sweet Charity; A Touch of Grace—The G.R.A.C.E. Ministries Story; and coauthor of a children’s devotional My Time with God, Focus on the Family, Heritage Builders, with over 55,000 copies sold.

 

As a contributing writer, publications consist of Writer’s Handbook 2000, The Writer, and The Focus on the Family Guide to Growing a Healthy Home, Wolgemuth& Hyatt, Publishers, Inc.—consistently on Bookstore Journal’s Best-selling Christian Books List from November 1990 - February 1991, and voted the 10 Best Books for 1990 by Today’s Christian Woman.

 

Magazines, devotional booklets, curriculum and newspaper publishers include Focus on the Family, Woman’s World, The Quiet Hour, Pathways to God, Devotions, Harcourt Brace, WordAction, Gospel Publishing and Times Standard (newspaper).

 

She teaches writing workshops at Umpqua Community College, Roseburg, OR and at writer’s conferences. As a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries, she tells her story of rejection and acceptance, not only in life, but as a writer as well. She also offers book talks, including discussion questions and shares the journey -- from the seed of an idea to a published book.

 

Memberships: ACFW and Oregon Christian Writers (OCW).

 

She enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, knitting, munching warm scones oozing with butter and strawberry jam and sipping earl grey tea.