Christians, do you do things you don't really want to do just to make others happy?

Question

You see, I signed up to go to a retreat but honestly I don't have peace about going...Now my son and friends are upset..... But I really don't have the peace about going....

Answer 1

...Each of shall give account of himself (or herself) to God. A Christian's goal and responsibility is to please God in all respects. This may or may not make others happy, but we are not required to always make others happy. Regardless of what your son and his friends think, ultimately you are responsible to honor the Lord by obeying Him, whatever way He leads you.
...I believe God can and does make us very uncomfortable, if we are not to do something. I remember we were attending a church and it became very clear we were to move on and find another - I was very unsettled, uncomfortable, and could not worship.
...But beyond feelings, write down on a piece of paper "Why I should Go" in one column, and then "Why I should not go" in another column . I would also check with trusted Christian friends who know you, who can give you godly counsel (in the abundance of counselors, there is victory).
...Finally, I would ask God to open and shut the right doors, and ask Him to make it very clear to you, because of what I see in Revelation 3:7-8 - observe:
...7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this:
...8 'I know your deeds Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
...May God bless you as you follow Him.

Answer 2

Not anymore. I had to learn to say "no" because I was getting burnt out. Finally I realized that not every good cause that crosses my path is meant for me. By accepting a job that isn't God's will for me I am robbing someone else who would receive a blessing from that task. I have finally found a great balance between serving the Lord and wearing myself out. It took a lot of prayer and trial and error. But I am so much happier and productive.

Answer 3

Exactly what do you do at a retreat? The same old thing you do every week. You are yourself, you dont like it, dont go. Whoever wants to be upset let them be.

Answer 4

Don't forget that God prefers a joyful giver. Don't go if your heart is not behind it. And to answer your question, no, I do many things for others and my church in particular, but I have to draw the line somewhere, otherwise you become a doormat who has lost his joy for life. That is not what God asks of you. He asks you to do for others with a joyful heart.

Answer 5

When you don't have peace about something listen.. The only approval you need is God's.

Answer 6

don't go. You never know why the Holy Spirit is directing you not too...To many people have lost their lives, bad accidents, have bad things happened to them because of their choice of not obeying the spirit of God. He knows what's ahead, you don't listen and pray on it.

Answer 7

sometimes...but if i don't feel at peace with something i tend to back away or i try to look past my own feelings and look at all aspects before making a decission

Answer 8

We all have to do something we don't want to do just to make someone happy. But in the end it's worth it.

Answer 9

I do the will of God, not mine or others. Pray on it and God will guide you to where you need to be

Answer 10

Always, always, always.

What retreat?