At some point, every leader has to answer one question:
Who are you trying to please?
The Apostle Paul didn’t leave room for nuance here: Galatians 1:10
This isn’t about personality.
It’s about allegiance.
Approval-seeking isn’t just emotional—it’s spiritual.
I’m excited to share this with you— I’m launching a brand new show on Miracle Channel called One Step with Brett Esslinger. You can find us on the Miracle Channel on Sundays at 230pm starting June 29!
Also… it would help me greatly if you would:
And send me a message with the episode that impacted you most
I’d love to hear what’s speaking to you.
Multiply Hope: Changing the Nation
Thursday, June 11th, 5–9pm MT
Join Miracle Channel's Jeremy Prest and Pastor Brett Esslinger for an interactive night of ministry designed to build hope and stir up your faith.
Sing along with incredible worship music, call in with your prayer requests, and find out how you can partner with the ministry and shine a beacon of hope to impact the nation of Canada.
WATCH LIVE:
I hope you can tune in on Miracle Channel's YouTube livestream!
The Pattern in Scripture
Saul had a calling—but lost a kingdom.
Why?
Because when pressure came, he chose people over God.
“I feared the people and obeyed their voice.” (1 Samuel 15:24)
Pilate knew Jesus was innocent.
But he chose peace over truth.
And then there’s Jesus.
Crowds followed Him—until He said something hard.
In John 6, after a challenging teaching, many walked away.
Jesus didn’t chase them.
He didn’t soften the message.
He turned to His disciples and asked, “Are you going to leave too?”
Fear of Man Is Misplaced Worship
Whatever voice you fear losing—you will obey.
If you fear losing people:
You will adjust truth.
If you fear losing approval:
You will compromise clarity.
If you fear losing comfort:
You will avoid obedience.
This is why Scripture is so direct about it.
Fear of man is a snare (Proverbs 29:25).
A Leadership Reality
You can gather a crowd by being agreeable.
But you can only build a church by being aligned.
Alignment requires conviction.
Conviction requires courage.
Courage requires surrender.
Leadership Essentials+
We go deeper into real leadership tensions—how to lead when it costs you something. If you’re ready for that level, this is for you.
Check Your Alignment
Whose voice carries the most weight in your decisions?
Where have you traded obedience for approval?
What has God already told you to do that you’re hesitating on?
Because delayed obedience is still disobedience.
You can’t be led by the Spirit if you’re controlled by opinions.
How can I help you?
If you’re working through pressure, expectations, or leadership tension, I’d love to help you navigate it with clarity and conviction.
