Do you sometimes pretend you’re someone you’re not? Why do we do that? Sometimes it’s easier to hide behind a mask rather than admit to our own failures or insecurities. I have seen plenty of people in the business world put on a “wealthy” face when, in fact, they had very little in their bank account.
It’s all about appearance. If you want people to take you seriously, you must look a certain way. Isn’t that right? I know in our coaching business I run into people who are afraid to do videos because they are conscious of their appearance or lack confidence in what they might say. We can often tell ourselves “stories” that are not true that limit our greatness. God can see our hearts. He knows the truth.
Today’s verse (vs 7) “Some who are poor pretend to be rich; others who are rich pretend to be poor.” It goes both ways. Sometimes the wealthy get tired of all the attention and responsibility that comes with having riches and want to just be “normal.” You’ve probably seen movies with that story line, and there, of course, are legends as well of kings leaving their palace to be with the commoners.
Didn’t Jesus do that? Didn’t he leave his throne on high to become one of us? Jesus never “pretended” to be someone he wasn’t. He was always God, and he was always human. His life on earth was not full of riches and privilege. Yet, his heavenly kingdom has no end. As children of God, we all have access to that kingdom. Our true riches are in heaven, what we have on earth is only temporary. Being a follower of Christ could be one of those things we keep hidden from view, but that’s not a good thing, is it?
Do you spend time and energy trying to be someone you’re not? That’s a question we shouldn’t just gloss over. Many of us are afraid to let the world see our true colors. Are we ashamed? Do we lack confidence? In our business, I have learned to step into my authority. I have something to share and I don’t want to keep it to myself. But at the same time, I want to be the authentic me. People who work with us soon see we are real people. We have just found ways to embrace our talents to help others.
When I stopped trying to be someone else, everything changed. I used to look at other people, and wish I was more like them. I would try to act like them, talk like them, etc. That doesn’t work. It wasn’t me. My focus needed to be on making me the best me I could. There are lots of ways to do that. Stepping into my own greatness has been the best thing for me.
Do I still try to pretend? Yes. But I recognize it and realize how I am special. God made me the way I am, and I’m okay with that. Instead of trying to be something I’m not, I’m doing all I can to be a more authentic and valuable me.
How about you? Are you hiding behind a mask? Are you afraid to let the world see the real you? Remember, God made you just the way you are. You are a masterpiece. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” It’s time to get on with things. Be you, the you God has created. His masterpiece.
Let’s pray … Lord, thank you for your Word and how it speaks to me. Just when I am feeling a little unsure of my place in this world, your wisdom and counsel speaks to my soul. Thank you for the reminder that you have made me for such a time as this. You are inside me. It is time we let the world see the real me whom you have prepared. Help me to step out in bold faith and trust you. Use me to help others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
I’m one of those people who is afraid to do video clips because I’m scared to look in other people’s eyes. I’m not pretending to be something I’m not. I don’t portray myself as better than I am, but I find myself flawed all the time.
I’m going to have to start looking at myself the way God sees me.
Thank you for the honesty in your comment. We are all flawed. But we are also God’s masterpieces, and he loves us so! Have you tried looking into the mirror and doing affirmations like, “I am loved.” or “I am good at what I do.” I have found that has really helped me look into other people’s eyes when I can look into my own!
Hello Dana. I think I can relate to the message you’re trying to get across. We are all specially and wonderfully made, each of us possessing a unique combination of abilities and talents that no one else in the whole wide world has. But like you said, sometimes we feel inadequate within ourselves. We get a feeling that what we want is anywhere but in us. I believe though, that the moment we own up to our true selves, we can start living the best life possible.
This has been a delight. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Rhain. You said it perfectly! Don’t we all want to live the best life possible?
I think we all at some point pretend to be some one that we are not just because the other person’s life seems to be better. We want to get there (our goal) but we are just not there yet so we pretend. Plus we seem to build that credibility for other as well so they can trust us. That is purely my assumption.
As for me I usually do that all the time when I go to work. I have to lead my employees, pretend that I’m strong even though I have a lot going on with my personal life and also when I am home I have to pretend that work is alright. I am a mess.
Praying does help me as well. We all need someone to talk and speaking to god is one of my choice as well. Thank you for making this gloomy Saturday better.
Thank you, Nuttanee, for your comment! When we have to wear different “hats” at work, we do have to step into that authority. Remember, nobody’s life is perfect. Even though others may look like they have it together, they probably don’t. I try to be encouraging to everyone I meet. It’s one of the jobs God has given me to do! Blessings to you!