Don't be a Cheap Copy of a Wonderful Original
In a world where approval often feels essential, Rev. Dr. Timothy W. Sloan offers a timely and profound reminder in this week's Day1 episode: "Stay focused on being who God called you to be." As senior pastor of The Luke Church in Humble, Texas, Dr. Sloan draws from his rich pastoral experience to guide listeners in navigating rejection, embracing authenticity, and fulfilling their divine calling.
Through this reflective conversation with host Rev. Dr. Katie Givens Kime, Dr. Sloan unpacks the struggles of people pleasing, its impact on our spiritual lives, and the freedom that comes with living authentically. Whether you're a preacher, theologian, or someone striving to align your life with God's purpose, this message speaks to the heart of faith and identity.
Watch the Clip
Transcript
Rev. Dr. Katie Givens Kime:
You said the phrase "people pleasing," and we have just... We have a lot of faithful Christians, we have folks from all walks of life, and we also have a whole lot of pastors who listen to Day1. And so there's one group of people who has some learning to do about people pleasing, woo! What's a word that you think is helpful on that front?
Rev. Dr. Timothy W. Sloan:
You know, the interesting thing is, when I said this, I felt like, you know, I'm letting out a family secret, you know? And the thing is is that no matter who we are, there is some people pleasing aspect to all of our lives. I mean, it's a natural inclination to want to be liked, you know?
And so when we face challenges and it feels as though people are pushing us away, we receive that as rejection. And the problem with that is that when we're rejected. In response to our desire to actually bend into a place of comfortability to be liked, then, you know, we start giving up on the authenticity of who we are.
So rejection does not mean that there is something wrong with you. It may oftentimes be a reminder to stay focused on being authentic. Because if you're anything less than who you are for the sake of people liking you. You become so inauthentic that you'll spend the rest of your life trying to be what you think other people want, and that's ultimately an unfulfilled life. I once heard it said that if you're anything less than who God called you to be, you'll be nothing more than a cheap copy of a wonderful original.
Reflection
Dr. Timothy Sloan's words strike at the heart of a universal struggle: the tension between "people pleasing" and authenticity. In a culture that often values approval over integrity, his reminder to "stay focused on being who God called you to be" calls us back to our divine purpose.
For preachers and theology educators, the temptation to adapt sermons or teachings to meet expectations can feel overwhelming. Dr. Sloan challenges us to embrace rejection not as a failure but as a signpost pointing toward God’s deeper work in our lives. By remaining steadfast in our calling, we reflect Christ’s example of authenticity, even in the face of criticism.
- How has the desire for approval impacted your faith journey?
- In what ways can rejection serve as a reminder to realign with God’s purpose?
- What practical steps can you take this week to live authentically in your calling?
Explore Rev. Dr. Timothy Sloan’s full sermon from episode 4167 >>>
