Variety: 1 Thessalonians 2v5–6
As you know and as God is our witness, we never came with words of flattery or with a pretext for greed, nor did we seek praise from mortals, whether from you or from others, though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.
1 Thessalonians 2:5–6
Every day we encounter examples of both healthy and unhealthy leadership. Often, the difference lies not in ability or position, but in character – and in how power is used. When power is misused, it controls and oppresses. When exercised wisely, it serves others, creating space for them to grow and flourish. At the heart of this difference is motive.
As the apostle Paul reflects on his visit to Thessalonica, his motive is unmistakably clear. Twice he states that he was not trying to please people (2:4,6). His concern was not human approval, but faithfulness to God.
Most of us, at various points in life, feel the pull toward people-pleasing – especially in new jobs, relationships, or unfamiliar environments. We may recognise people-pleasing in ourselves when we say ‘yes’ simply to avoid conflict, depend on others’ approval for our sense of worth, or feel anxious when we disappoint someone.
Scripture warns us of the danger of living for human approval when it compromises truth or obedience. People-pleasing can erode integrity. We may say one thing while believing another, or make decisions rooted more in fear of rejection than in faith. Over time, this fractures our witness and weakens our confidence in God.
Yet the answer isn’t to become indifferent or uncaring. A helpful distinction is this: kindness is a choice rooted in love, while people-pleasing often becomes a compulsion driven by fear. The real issue is who holds ultimate authority over our lives. Jesus was deeply compassionate and attentive to people, but he was never ruled by their approval. He obeyed his Father, even when that obedience led to suffering and the cross.
This is why Paul could say that his primary aim was to please God (2:4). He genuinely sought the good of others, without being dependent on their affirmation. His life among the Thessalonians reflected both the tender care of a loving parent (2:7–8) and courageous conviction as he stood against the dominant philosophies and idol worship of the culture around him (2:2).
The question for us, then, is simple but searching: are we living out of love and obedience to God, or out of fear and the desire for approval from others? Faith is the antidote to chronic people-pleasing because it reorients our hearts – from asking for human validation to resting in God’s acceptance. Where people-pleasing asks, ‘Am I worthy?’ the gospel answers: you are loved, forgiven, and chosen.
London Institute for Contemporary Christianity