292 – We Like You

#faithbites #faithjourney Like

Today was my third and final day of facilitating a problem-based learning group this block. I was nervous about it on Monday but by today, I really enjoyed it. After the session was over, I asked the group for feedback, knowing that I would get formal feedback later in the semester. The group said they really liked me and have a good time. At that point, I said that’s good as I will be back in a few weeks. They said they were happy about that and I’m welcome back any time.

That made me feel good. I know we shouldn’t rate ourselves based on others opinions but at the same time, it is nice to be liked. Their verbal feedback helped me to know that I was doing a good job and my effort was rewarded. Plus, who doesn’t like to be liked? Now, the formal feedback could come back and tell me I’m terrible, but I don’t think that will happen. I always like good constructive feedback.

We try to be strong in our life and our faith, many times saying we don’t care what others think. But deep down, knowing someone cares for you, loves you, and likes you is powerful.

Scripture on Being Liked

• For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. – Galatians 1:10
• Do nothing from rivalry or conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.- Phillippians 2:3-4
• The poor is disliked even by his neighbor, but the rich has many friends. – Proverbs 14:20

Reflection

Ok, I’ll be the first to admit that those three scriptures seem all over the board. If I’m liked, I’m not a servant of God? If I have humility then others will like me. The poor is disliked by his neighbors? Sol, what are you doing here?

Let’s see if I can clarify. When we do things to be liked, it often times draws us away from faith and God. Our motivations are not pure and we are poor in spirit. When we are humble, count others more than ourselves, and please God, then we are rich in his eyes, and are liked. Sure, there are people who will like us no matter what and others who will despise us no matter what. The point is that when we follow God, we are made rich. When we to do things for other without wanting to be rewarded we are rewarded. Sure, none of this is black and white. We may follow God and still want a little “love” back. It’s not easy to be 100% selfless. This is part of the process of faith, learning, and following God. We make mistakes, we learn, we try again.

Had I facilitated this group years ago, I would have tried to get them to like me. I would have bent over backward for them and done things outside of my scope. While I would have been admired, I wouldn’t have been helpful in their learning. Today, the appreciated the effort I put in as well as how I did it. They achieved the learning objectives and I was liked. It is a win-win.

Charge

Do you like to be liked? What do you do to earn that love from others? Do you serve them and try for it or do you follow the Lord and receive his gifts? Next time you are seeking affection, try to put others and God first. Follow his lead, you will be surprised by how you are rewarded.

Lord, help me not to seek to be liked but to have your strength in my interactions. Allow me to always be humble and put others needs before my own. I know that you will always provide.