I Don’t Need To Seek The Approval Of Others Or Please Everyone

In summary of Proverbs 29:25 it says, "It’s dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, it will prove to be a snare or a trap.  Human opinion of others can disable you.  Instead put your trust in God, he will protect you and provide safety from that."

Bottom Line:
It's dangerous to let what others think of you, control you.  It will prove to be a snare or trap from keeping you from moving forward.  Instead put all of your trust in God and what he thinks of you.  When you do, God provides you with protection and safety from getting caught up in the disabling trap of others opinions.  

What this means to me:
God wants me to look to him for approval and not others.  Letting what others think can paralyze my thinking and progress toward being what He wants me to be (it will be a trap that will hold me back, keep me from what is best.)  God tells me if I only look to him for approval, he will protect and provide safety from the disabling emotional trap of others opinions.  In this world, I don’t have to please everyone.  This is difficult for me, as I’m traditionally a people pleaser and seek approval of others.  However, In reality it would be difficult to please everyone regardless.  What I need to realize is that my happiness does not depend on approval from others.  Even God can’t please everyone since all typically base their decisions on their own gain or selfishness.  So, I don’t need to cave in or squeeze into the worlds mold.  If I feel pressured, controlled or manipulated then its because I’m allowing myself to be pressure, controlled and manipulated.  Instead, it’s ok to stand up for what’s right.  It’s OK to be assertive.  God doesn’t expect me to be a doormat.   Interestingly I find, that when I’m being what God wants me to be, people are usually amazed at my behavior and wonder how I can be patient and kind with others when they are being selfish or difficult.  The key for me will be to not let myself be pressured into being something different from what God intend for me, just to get the approval of someone else.