Every morning, I pray the same prayer: "God, let me fear only you today." It's not that I actually fear other people. It's that I wage secret campaigns against them, rather than speak openly and honestly.
What are the signs of fearing man?
- The fake laugh
- Being a "yes man"
- Blending in with the crowd
- Not being true to my passions
- Not speaking truth at my own risk
- Putting on a fake persona
Ouch. Right?
I'm afraid. I'm such a people pleaser. Thanks for posting this.
Posted by: Rob Shepherd | November 26, 2008 at 09:00 AM
What a great prayer! Thanks for sharing this. I have had an approval addiction for many years but God has worked miracles in that area of my life in the last couple of years and I've seen myself grow in that.
Posted by: Terrace Crawford | November 26, 2008 at 09:46 AM
Yeah, man--that stings a little. Great insight on the fake laugh. Never thought of it that way, but you're very right... ha, ha.
Posted by: Dan | November 26, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Now let's go disappoint somebody! =)
Posted by: Ben Arment | November 26, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Thanks for this post Ben! Fear gets us all from time to time, but we can't allow it to become the norm for our lives.
Posted by: Shaun King | November 26, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Yeah, ouch. "Secret Campaigns" is a great way to describe it. I'm guilty of people pleasing too. Here's to speaking openly and honestly!
Posted by: Aaron Dininny | November 26, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Ouch is right. Thanks so much for this post. I needed to read that!
Posted by: Travis Thompson | November 26, 2008 at 01:14 PM
Super ouch! I think that is applicable to men and women. Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted by: Abby | November 26, 2008 at 04:43 PM
man, that hurts. I so so so want to beat this in my life.
Posted by: brewster | November 26, 2008 at 06:05 PM
"Not speaking truth at my own risk" ... now that is an ouch. I sometimes find myself, AFTER an opportunity, wishing I'd spoke up and said what needed to be said instead of remaining silent to avoid the possible confrontation or someone taking my words the wrong way.
Posted by: daniel d | November 26, 2008 at 10:33 PM
In light of this post:
http://www.challies.com/archives/general-news/technology/how-to-encourage-a-blogger-this-christmas.php
I wanted to thank you,Ben Arment, for how God has used your blog greatly this past year to give me wisdom and discernment, which I've been able to pass on.
*Thank you!*
Posted by: terry b | November 28, 2008 at 05:27 AM
Ben,
GOOD stuff! I have a quote that hangs in my home office that says "May I dread the disapproval of Christ above all else." Not sure who said it, but it was probably someone smart like you :) Thanks for this post!
Posted by: Nic Burleson | November 30, 2008 at 11:18 PM
We all struggle with letting others down. Let's let em down!! This is killer. Thanks for posting simple things for us who don't yearn to read a book-type-blog. :-) godin is good at that too.
Posted by: evan shaw blackerby | December 01, 2008 at 01:25 PM
Ben, where have you been? You are like my cup of coffee in the morning. Reading your blog is part of my routine...and you are no where to be found. What up?
Posted by: Rob Shepherd | December 04, 2008 at 01:25 PM
you alive? no new blog posts since Nov 26? what the?
Posted by: daniel d | December 04, 2008 at 08:34 PM