Why do we care so much about what others think?

I wanted to start this post by saying I am being fully transparent with how I am feeling and my insecurities in hopes of encouraging those experiencing the same feelings. I will always be real as that is why I started this blog and I hope my vulnerability brings encouragement to anyone who needs it today!

This week, I officially announced that I will be starting a YouTube channel. I was so excited to begin posting on there, especially with the TikTok ban fast approaching, but my excitement dimmed drastically after I created my post…. I noticed that quite a few people had sent my post through DM. Because of my insecurities surrounding the decision to pursue social media, I went into a spiral of assumptions. I just knew I was being made fun of. I told Charles about my insecurities, and he asked me, “Why does it matter? You like to do it, so why does it matter what they may or may not be saying?” I needed to hear this so badly…

If you struggle with caring what others think, keep reading!!

As I contemplated his questions, I was reminded of the same insecurities I felt when I first started posting on TikTok or when I first started writing my blog. Those insecurities almost kept me from doing what I felt God calling me to do. So, why do we care so much about what others think?

When I went to God and His Word with this question, I was met with Proverbs 29:25, “It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the Lord, you are safe.”

Why is it dangerous? Well, simply put, it causes you to miss out on God’s plan for you! If you constantly place others’ opinions of you over the things God has placed on your heart, you are allowing the enemy and his lies to disrupt the exciting plans God is paving the way for. You’re allowing the lies of the enemy or the negativity of those who don’t even know your heart to disrupt your life. It’s not worth it! God would not place anything on your heart He didn’t intend for you to achieve!

Just think, what if Jesus allowed the opinions of others to disrupt God’s plan for our redemption? What if He listened to the negativity and pushback from the Pharisees? What if He listened to those who told Him to be quiet, follow their version of life, and do their will? Jesus decided to be different. He chose to do God’s will. He chose not to allow the enemy to tempt Him or stop Him from fulfilling His purpose of redemption for us all!

I am not saying it’s easy to be like Jesus in this situation. We’re human. We are bound to allow insecurity to creep in from time to time. What I am saying is that when we allow that insecurity to control our lives and halt our fulfillment of God’s plan for us, we are actively showing that we do not have faith that God will carry us in the situation. We are allowing the world (who hates us anyway) to control our steps when God promises to lead us to good when we hand it to Him.

Again, why do we care so much about what others think of us? It’s because we forget who placed that dream, job, etc., on our hearts in the first place. We forget that God will never lead us down a road that isn’t a part of His good plan. We forget to have faith.

I want to challenge you today to stop allowing the opinions of others to hold so much weight in your life. Stop allowing insecurities or the fear of judgment to control your steps. God placed that on your heart for a reason, so go do it!!