DANGEROUS APPEASEMENTS

Dangerous Appeasements – Toni Babcock

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. Pro 29:25 KJV

Some of the most destructive decisions we ever make are the ones we make in order to appease someone else. For some, caving into another becomes the earmark of their very being. For them, the thought of displeasing another individual is unimaginable, and one that simply cannot be entertained. 

For the chronic appeaser, the dominant people in their lives must have their way or paralyzing fear and panic sets in. I am not talking about healthy Christians who humbly submit to one another in love out of joyful obedience to God; I am talking about those individuals who would rather trample on their own convictions and follow a destructive path, than cross an angry headstrong individual in their life.

How crucial it is to take action in life and make decisions based on faith and confidence in the Lord, not in craven fear of others; and to conduct ourselves in a manner that will bring glory to God, uphold His rule in our lives, and attract mutual respect, honor, and a nobility of spirit only those ruled by the Holy Spirit can produce. 

This means God might not want you to cave in and do the one thing someone else is pushing and pressuring you to do. Now it is up to you to value your core belief in God and conscience and tell them exactly why you don't feel comfortable with the demand. 

The goal is not to rebel or be an obstructionist - just to be honest. If applicable, you might even ask the person to pray about it along with you and see what happens. 

Maintain a healthy respect for God and conscience and reject all craven fear. You'll be surprised how much more respect you will gain at the end of the day.