“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God?  Or am I trying to please men?  If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10

The motive of our heart can seem pure but when we are striving to please others, we soon become trapped by “Performance Orientation”. If you feel loved when you do something for someone and they appreciate and commend you that is fine.  However, if that is the only time you feel loved, you have stepped into the trap of performance. You have believed a lie that you are only loved for what you do. If you have stepped into this trap, you may be tired and exhausted.  It may not the service you do that is making you tired, but the motive to earn love that is behind what you do.

Ask the Lord to purify all serving so you do all you do with a pure motive, not expecting anything in return. God loves you with an everlasting love. Rest is His love. After receiving the truth of God’s love, you may do the same service for others but from a different intent of the heart. Serving others will bring joy and will not be so exhausting. 

PRAY THE FOLLOWING PRAYER

Dear Lord,

I realize that I do strive to earn love and acceptance.  I know in my head that You love me unconditionally, but something within me drives me to perform to earn love and acceptance.

Lord my worth has not been based on Your love for me but on what others think of me when I perform a task.

Lord, I confess I have been a people pleaser and I am tired.  I want to be loved for who I am, not for what I do.  Help me to get out of the vicious cycle of performing and bring me into Your rest.

In Jesus’ name, Amen