Rules for Life #2

This post is a continued article from the original post called:
7 Cardinal Rules for Life 
Rules for Life #1 (with bible references) 

Rules for Life #2:
What other people think of you (is none of your business)

I am taking the seven Cardinal Rules of Life and looking for scripture that supports the rule and giving my thoughts about it. Here are some verses that I have found that apply to rule #2:

• Proverbs 29:25 (NIV) Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.
• Luke 12:4-5 (NASB) I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!
• John 5:41 (NIV) I do not accept glory from human beings,
• John 5:44 (NIV) How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
• John 12:43 (NIV) ...for they loved human praise more than praise from God.
• 1 Corinthians 15:10a (NASB) Bus by the grace of God, I am what I am,...
• 1 Peter 2:15 (NASB) For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.
• 1 Peter 3:17 (NASB) For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for what is wrong.
• 1 Peter 4:14a (NIV) If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of Glory and of God rests on you.
• Romans 12:18 (NASB) If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
• Luke 6:26 (NIV) Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.
• Mark 12:14 (NIV) ...Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are, but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth
• Galatians 1:10 (NIV) Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

There are so many scriptures on pleasing men or gaining praise from others rather than from God. Our focus in life should be pleasing our maker. God is happy when we share the gospel (good news) with others. Pleasing Him is foremost above all else. We should not put our efforts into satisfying others; nor should we worry what others think about us. Seeking praises of men will trap us and get us off of our true purpose in life. Knowing God's love gives us confidence and helps us appreciate our uniqueness and individuality. You have quirks that annoy others? Become comfortable with being YOU. The more relaxed we can be with our own differences, the more comfortable we start to feel just being ourselves. Thank God for our differences and use them to His glory. God controls all and carries us through the fun times and the dark times. When we put our trust in Him, we can overcome the trials and tribulations that come our way. I love this saying, "God can't please everyone, what makes you think you can?"  Some people can fill our heads full of negative thoughts and pull us down if we let them. Allowing this self-doubt to creep in will torment us if we let it. Don't let others ruin your self-image. Our self-worth, and true acceptance comes from within...with God. Live your life by God's standards, not the world's! He is supreme!