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The Weekly Winning Thought

You Don’t Have to Live With the Fear of Rejection

By January 24, 2021No Comments

“I really wish I was less of a thinking man and more of a fool not afraid of rejection.”

-Billy Joel

Several years ago, I decided to send a short essay that I had written to the magazine “Guideposts.” I believed that I had composed a real gem, and that this piece had a good chance of being published. I mailed my article, and in less than a week I received a “thanks but no thanks” letter, saying my masterpiece was less than masterful. I don’t remember all that was stated in the letter, but it might as well have contained one word in all caps; “REJECTED.” The response was so quick I had almost convinced myself that Guideposts had mailed the rejection letter to me before they even received my manuscript.

None of us like rejection. We want the opposite – acceptance. But from whom? In his book “The Search for Significance,” Robert McGee says that we humans fall into the trap of turning to others for only what God can provide.  When we do this, we fall prey to Satan’s lie. It goes like this:

Self-Worth = Performance + Other’s Opinions 

In his letter to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul states clearly where his approval comes from; Do you think I speak this strongly in order to manipulate crowds? Or court favor with God? Or get popular applause? If my goal was popularity, I wouldn’t bother being Christ’s slave (Gal 1:10 MSG)?” Jesus put it this way; “Whoever is not with me is against me (Mt 12:30a).”

We’re either going to be Christ’s slave or someone else’s. We’re either going to walk by the Spirit, or live by the flesh. I often wish there was some middle ground, but I don’t see anything in scripture that gives me the wiggle room I desire. Whenever we begin to rationalize, we indict ourselves. McGee admits in his book that, he too, finds himself falling back into approval seeking behavior patterns from time to time. He states, “I don’t believe that any of us will gain complete freedom from this tendency until we see the Lord.”

If we are not careful, we can spend our whole lives trying to please others, serving man and living in fear of rejection. It is a trap that leads to disappointment and an unfulfilled life. The good news is the Good News! Jesus offers us the abundant life, free from the performance-based system of the world. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 5:1).”

Through God’s grace we are accepted by Him just as we are. More importantly, we are desired by Him. Man will reject us, but God will not. Where are you seeking your approval? Don’t turn to others for what only God can provide.

Play to win this week in the game that really counts!

Are you a business owner, executive, or other professional looking to grow your business and improve your life? If so, see how Bill and his firm might be able to help you: Northstar Leadership