Speak to Please God, Not to Impress Others

Hey Yogis

Have you ever caught yourself saying something just to sound good or impress someone?  

​We've all been there, whether it’s a conversation with a friend, a work meeting, or even a social media post. It’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting to be noticed or admired. But what if we took a step back and asked ourselves a powerful question: What if we spoke to please God, not to impress others?

At Rhema Yoga, we believe in the power of words and the deep impact they have on our lives. Words shape our reality, create our relationships, and influence our hearts. And when we speak with the intention to please God—rather than impress others—something beautiful happens. We find peace, authenticity, and a deeper connection to our true selves.

The Power of Words
Words are powerful. They can build up or tear down. They can inspire or hurt. In the Bible, we’re reminded of this in Proverbs 18:21:
"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."

This verse is a reminder of the weight our words carry. When we speak to please God, we choose words that uplift, encourage, and bring light to others. We use our voices to reflect His love, His truth, and His peace, rather than to seek validation or approval from people.

In yoga, we talk a lot about intention. Before stepping onto the mat, we set an intention for our practice, whether it’s to stay present, find balance, or cultivate strength. Similarly, when we speak, setting the intention to please God is like setting an intention for your day-to-day interactions. It shifts our focus from the external to the internal—moving away from seeking others' approval and drawing closer to God’s heart.

Living Authentically, Without the Need for Approval
One of the most freeing things we can do is speak with authenticity—without feeling like we need to impress anyone. Authenticity is about being real with yourself and others. It’s about letting go of the fear of judgment and trusting that God sees your heart, not just your words.

When we speak to please God, our focus shifts from the temporary praise of people to the eternal pleasure of our Creator. We don’t need to edit ourselves, sugarcoat our words, or worry about what others think. We can speak with boldness, honesty, and grace, knowing that God is pleased when we speak truthfully and with love.

The Struggle with People-Pleasing
Let’s be honest: people-pleasing can be a real struggle. It’s easy to want to fit in, gain approval, or avoid conflict by saying what others want to hear. But living with that kind of pressure can be exhausting. Constantly seeking validation from others leaves us feeling drained and disconnected from our true selves.

Yoga teaches us to find stillness—to breathe deeply and let go of distractions. In the same way, when we let go of the need to impress others, we create space for God to fill us with His peace. We find freedom in choosing our words carefully, knowing they’re aligned with His will.

Speak Life, Not Ego
When we speak to please God, we focus on using our words to bring life to others. In Ephesians 4:29, we’re encouraged:
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

This is the heart of speaking to please God—using our words to encourage, uplift, and build others up. It’s not about how clever or impressive our words are; it’s about whether they bring life, healing, and hope to the people around us.

In yoga, we often practice the principle of non-harming. This principle extends to our speech. When we choose our words carefully, with kindness and truth, we create a space where healing can happen, both for ourselves and for others.

How to Speak to Please God
Here’s a simple practice to help you speak with intention:

1. Pause and Reflect: Before speaking, take a deep breath and ask yourself, “Is this word/statement pleasing to God? Is it true? Is it helpful?”
2. Align with Love: Speak from a place of love, knowing that God’s love is in your heart and can flow through your words.
3. Let Go of Fear: Release the fear of judgment or the desire to impress. Trust that God is pleased when you speak in love and truth, even if no one else notices.
4. Practice Gratitude: Be thankful for the gift of communication. Use your words to bless others, not for personal gain or recognition.

Living in Alignment with God’s Heart
When we speak to please God, we align ourselves with His heart and His purpose for our lives. We become more attuned to His voice and more confident in our ability to speak truth, love, and grace into the world. We stop trying to impress others and start impressing God with our faithfulness, authenticity, and kindness.

As you go through your day, remember that your words have power. Choose to speak with love, humility, and intention, knowing that you’re speaking to please the One who loves you most.

With love and peace,

Adam 
Founder, Rhema Yoga
Spiritual Healing Through Christ-Centered Yoga
Preparing Today’s Yogis for His Kingdom