It’ll Never Be Enough for People, and That’s Okay

No matter how hard we try—how many changes we make, how many counseling sessions we attend, or how much effort we pour into being better humans—some people will never see the full picture. They’ll still judge. Still whisper. Still choose to focus on who we used to be rather than who God is transforming us to become.

And honestly? That realization used to devastate me.

I used to think if we just showed up more, apologized better, or explained our hearts more clearly, the hurt would stop. The assumptions would stop. The judgment would stop. But it hasn’t. Not entirely. And maybe it never will. Because people aren’t God.

Even the kindest, most well-meaning people can misinterpret your growth. They’ll say things like, “You’ve changed,” as if that’s a bad thing—when really, we should be changing. Evolving. Growing into who God created us to be. But not everyone wants to accept your transformation. Some people prefer the version of you that made them feel more comfortable.

But here’s the truth I’ve learned to cling to:

We weren’t created to please people. We were created to glorify God.

The work my husband and I are doing—together and individually—isn’t for likes, approval, or validation. It’s for our healing, for our family, and most of all, for God. We’re not perfect. We’re not trying to perform. We’re just trying to be real, present, and obedient to the path God has us on.

Discipleship doesn’t come with popularity. 

Jesus Himself was misunderstood, criticized, and rejected. If He, in all His perfection, wasn’t accepted by everyone—why do we think we will be?

What matters most is that we are striving to walk in alignment with God’s purpose. We are loving others even when it’s hard, working to show grace when it’s undeserved, and choosing peace over pride.

So today, I let go of the need to be understood by everyone.

I let go of the anxiety that creeps in when someone has the wrong impression of me.

I let go of striving to “prove” our progress to those who don’t truly know our hearts.

Instead, I choose to keep moving forward. With faith. With humility. With my eyes fixed on Jesus, not the opinions of the crowd.

Because when this life is over, I won’t be standing in front of anyone else’s judgment seat but God’s.

And His words-“Well done, good and faithful servant”—are the only ones I’m aiming for.

Self Reflection:

- Who are you trying to please right now, and why?

- Have you placed more weight on people’s opinions than on God’s voice?

- What step can you take today to live more freely in your identity as a disciple of Christ?