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Pleasing People: How Not to Be an "Approval Junkie"

Product Overview

Are you a people pleaser? Are you addicted to approval from others, and would do just about anything to get that approval Biblical counselor Lou Priolo exposes all the prideful manifestations of this problem and, as always, offers solid, systematic Biblical solutions! Even readers who feel that they do not have this problem should read this helpful book, because what you don t know can and will hurt you and others.

Comments about this book

• "Lou Priolo has written an extremely biblical and practical book to help the “people pleaser.” Even if you think you do not have this weakness, you may be convicted that you do! The strength of this book are the biblical principles, the charts with wrong compared to right ways to think, and how to become a “God pleaser.” I am very pleased to have this resource to help people and I highly endorse it." - Martha Peace, biblical counselor and author of “The Excellent Wife” and “Damsels in Distress”

About the Author

Lou Priolo

Louis Paul Priolo is the director of the Center for Biblical Counseling at Eastwood Presbyterian Church in Montgomery, Alabama. A graduate of Calvary Bible College and Liberty University, he is the author of several books, including The Heart of Anger, The Complete Husband, Teach Them Diligently and Pleasing People.

Lou is a Fellow in the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors and instructor at the Birmingham Theological Seminary. He travels frequently throughout the United States and abroad teaching at Christian marriage, family and counseling conferences.

In addition to his books, Lou has dozens of CDs extrapolated from his more than two dozen years of lectures, teaching and preaching while developing a national reputation as a biblical counselor gifted with applying God's word practically to individual as well as marriage and family problems.

He resides in Wetumpka, Alabama, with his wife, Kim, and daughters, Sophia and Gabriella.

Loving Truth Books & Gifts Review

It is rare to read such a Scripturally well written book on a highly important topic. Very refreshing, very convicting. Lou's warning is in place: the first part of the book contains some of the most convicting material you may have ever read. Keep in mind, that this is for a very good purpose, as the author further elaborates: "most of us would never change the things in our lives that are out of sync with God's Word apart from being convicted of our sin." While it may sound unsympathetic to some, it is actually a very loving approach, Lou explains. This reminds me of Jesus' words in Rev 3:19 ("Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent."), but also can see Proverbs 9:8, and 27:5.

I used to think that emotional and behavioral problems are sicknesses, but upon further study and reflection, I realize now that they are simply sin. Actually, it is quite hopeless to have a sickness or disorder, as typically there is no cure for such things (many are genetic and beyond cure). But, when the problem is sin, that is the most hopeful of a situation, as "there is a powerful cure for this type of problem - the gospel of Jesus Christ" (pg. 10). The change occurs when we let the Spirit of God apply the Word of God in our lives.

Lou helps us diagnose our problem in the first part of the book. You have heard a lot about this problem, terms like codependency, people pleaser, caving in to peer pressure, and others come to mind. But, to fully understand it, we must diagnose people's problems with God's Words (1 Cor 2:13, 1 John 12:42-43). The problem consists of two sides: desire for approval, and fear of rejection. One way to see it: "He fears the displeasure of man more than the displeasure of God" (pg. 23). Or, the other side of the coin: "He desires the praise of man above the praise of God" (pg. 25) (see: Matt 23:5-7, 6:1-5). What really got me thinking was some of the further diagnosis questions/ statements, such as: "He studies what it takes to please man as much as (if not more than) what it takes to please God". Or, "He is oversensitive to correction, reproof, and other allusions of dissatisfaction or disapproval on the part of the others." (pg. 31). Now, you got my attention!

The book is filled with excellent insights by a teacher and a counselor with many years of experience in applying God's Word to problems (sins) like these. After diagnosing the problem, explaining the dangers of the problem, clearing up any "fine-print" of when it may be fine to please people, then dealing with pride, next Lou focuses in the 2nd part of the book on the solution. Topics such as the characteristics of a God-pleaser, what it takes to please God, issues of pride, and more are covered. The book is sure to challenge all who read it, help many grow in their faith and obedience to God's Word, and save numbers of the snares of this problem (sin), potentially save their life and soul. I highly recommend it for you and your loved ones.

Review By:  Zoran Zaev

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