Letter From My Future Self - Top 10 Most Overrated Things
Teaching Notes
Breaking Free from People-Pleasing: Living as God's Beloved Child
Have you ever found yourself constantly worried about what others think of you? Do you struggle with seeking approval from people around you, even when it compromises your values? You're not alone in this battle. Many of us live trapped by the opinions of others, missing out on the freedom that comes from knowing our true identity.
What's Really Overrated in Life?
Dan’s List of Top 10 Most Overrated Things from his letter to his future self:
10. Hair. You will lose it, young. Don’t fight it. Don’t hang on. It’s overrated. Drop the combover and buzz it off–early and quick, because remember that, according to Leviticus 13:40, “a bald man is clean.” This is the word of the Lord.😉
9. Whataburger. People from Texas will come and they will say that it’s better than “In’n’Out” but remember, the Enemy is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44)
8. Kittens. Kittens are overrated because they will soon and very soon become…cats.🐈
7. Your Phone. It will change you. Don’t do it. Go Amish and live.
6. Being Constantly Informed. You will feel like you have to know everything and be current and have an opinion about everything– not to mention binge-watch what everyone else is binge-watching. So…read your news (versus watch it) and get it slow, late, and from diverse perspectives. In the words of John Eldredge, practice benevolent detachment.
5. Taylor Swift.
4. The Spotlight. You will seek the spotlight all your life, and it will never satisfy, and will be, in the words of Solomon, be like chasing after the wind.
3. The Broncos.
2. Political Ideology. People are going to lose their minds, and it will become their idol. And idols are seductive until they enslave. They come like a bright light until they blind. But rather…know that every political party will fail you, no party has the corner on biblical truth, so search the Scriptures to see what is true, follow Jesus, whatever side of the aisle it leads you to, be thoughtful, kind, and consistently unpredictable with your political convictions because Jesus wants you to be beholden only to His Lordship.
And the number one thing that is overrated in this life is…
Before I do, let me just exhaust a few more:
● Health warnings about butter and bacon, and whole milk. They’re good for you.
● Being hip. Tight jeans/Baggy jeans. Just wear pants.
● Avoiding conflict
● Doing things in my own strength
● Perfectionism
● Having an online presence
● Having a boy b/c having three daughters is sublime
And, one more thing…Question: What would your #1 most overrated thing in your life be?
Okay, the number one thing most Overrated in my life, young lad, is…
1. People’s Approval. When we look at life honestly, many things we chase after are simply overrated. Whether it's staying current with every news cycle, maintaining the perfect image, or constantly seeking the spotlight, these pursuits often leave us empty and exhausted. This desire to be liked, accepted, and validated by others can become a snare that traps us in patterns of compromise and insecurity.
Why Do We Seek People's Approval?
The fear of what others think can prove to be a trap, as Solomon warned in Proverbs. When we prioritize the question "What will people think?" over "What is right?" we find ourselves compromising our principles and losing our authentic selves.
This people-pleasing tendency shows up in various ways:
Peer pressure that forces us to compromise our character
Insecurity that makes us question our worth
Loss of identity as we mold ourselves to others' expectations
Compromising our principles to fit in
How Did Jesus Handle People's Opinions?
Jesus provides the perfect example of someone who cared deeply about every person but didn't give a thought to what they thought about Him. He was supremely kind but not always "nice" because he cared about something deeper than approval.
Consider how Jesus:
Called Zacchaeus down from the tree, risking His reputation
Challenged Nicodemus, the respected religious leader
Made Samaritans the heroes of His stories
Associated with despised and disreputable people
The Secret to Jesus' Freedom
Jesus knew who He was and whose He was. His identity was secure because he had received the Father's blessing: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." This blessing came before Jesus had performed any ministry - it wasn't earned but was given out of the eternal love within the Trinity.
The Right Way vs. The Wrong Way Around
There are two ways to approach our relationship with God and our identity:
The Wrong Way (Religion)
When sin entered the world, humanity began approaching God through fear, trying to earn approval through spiritual performance. This creates a cycle of:
- Doing things to please God out of fear
- Trying to earn our identity through works
- Living in pride when we think we've succeeded
- Living in shame when we fall short
The Right Way (Relationship)
God's original design was for us to:
- Receive our identity as His beloved children
- Live from that secure place of being loved
- Serve and love others out of overflow, not obligation
What Does It Mean to Be God's Child?
Paul beautifully explains our true identity in Romans 8:14-17. As believers, we have:
Adoption, Not Slavery
We're not slaves living in fear, but adopted children with full rights and privileges. The word "adoption" here refers to the most secure form of inheritance, even more binding than biological relationships.
The Spirit's Testimony
The Holy Spirit himself confirms our identity as God's children. We can cry "Abba, Father" - the most intimate, affectionate term for daddy.
Co-heirs with Christ
We share in Christ's inheritance. The same blessing the Father spoke over Jesus - "You are my beloved child" - echoes over us through Christ's work.
Living Free from Others' Opinions
When we truly grasp that we are God's beloved children, we become free to:
Serve without needing recognition
Love without expecting anything in return
Take risks without fear of failure
Speak truth even when it's unpopular
"Grab the towel" and do humble work like Jesus did
This freedom doesn't come from trying harder or working to overcome people-pleasing. It comes from simply receiving what God has already given us through grace.
The Power of Serving Others
Research shows that the most effective stress-reduction strategy isn't self-care activities like meditation or massage (though these aren't wrong). The most powerful way to reduce stress and find fulfillment is through serving others.
When we know we are loved and secure in our identity, we're free to lay down our lives for others. We can focus on their needs rather than constantly worrying about our own image or approval rating.
Life Application
This week, practice living as God's beloved child rather than seeking approval from others. When you face a decision, ask yourself "What is right?" before asking "What will people think?"
Try this simple prayer: "Father, I am yours and you are mine." Let this truth anchor you when the temptation to people-please arises. Remember that your identity isn't up for grabs - it's secure in Christ.
Consider these questions:
In what areas of your life do you most struggle with seeking people's approval?
How might your relationships change if you truly believed you were God's beloved child?
What "towel" might God be calling you to pick up - what humble act of service that you've been avoiding because of what others might think?
How can you remind yourself daily of your true identity as a co-heir with Christ?
The freedom to live authentically, love boldly, and serve sacrificially is yours. Not because you've earned it, but because you've received it by grace through the work of Jesus Christ.
Setlist
WFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere
The Joy - The Belonging Co.
See A Victory - Elevation Worship
Goodness Of God - Bethel Worship
Great Are You Lord - All Sons & Daughters
WFC Speedway
You’ve Already Won - Shane & Shane
Battle Belongs - Phil Wickham
Came To My Rescue - Hillsong UNITED
Worthy - Elevation Worship
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