My son sometimes pressures me to buy
him something because he saw it on TV or a friend has it. Advertising manipulates
us all the time; “Buy this product, or you’re stupid!” or “You’d be a fool not
to take advantage of this sale!” Have you ever stood there while somebody
offered you a little piece of food on a toothpick? You really didn’t like it,
but you bought it anyway?
That’s called the
fear of rejection. It not only allows others to manipulate us; it causes us
hurt in many other ways. The fear of rejection pressures us to conform to peer
pressure. We tend to walk like other people, talk like other people, act like
other people, dress like other people. Why?
We don’t want to
be rejected.
It keeps us from
speaking the truth. Why do people lie? Why do people shade the truth? Because
they’re afraid if they tell the truth, you won’t accept them.
Whom would you say
you’re trying to please on a daily basis? Your co-workers? Spouse? Friends?
How do you
overcome the fear of rejection? Get free! You need a new perspective!
Put the opinions
of others in a proper place. In other words, don’t overvalue what they say. You
have to decide whom you’re trying to impress.
The way to overcome the fear of
rejection is to live your life not trying to please everyone.
Easter is happening this weekend. Jesus
did not seek the approval of religious leaders and he was willing to die to
show it was not necessary. To me, Easter represents a fresh start! New Life, 2nd chances!
Perhaps you need a fresh start? Perhaps freedom from the fear of rejection, freedom
from trying to please others.
How much more of your
potential do you think you could reach if you stopped seeking the approval of others? Get free!
