Impressing others distracts you from the most important things in lifeAs singles, we all want to be loved. We want people to appreciate us as individuals, but when you're constantly working to get people to like you, it leaves little time for you to work on your own goals. You may be surprised at the true answers if, from time to time, you stop and ask yourself: "Why am I doing this?" or "Why am I buying this?" Where does your money go?
I have a relative (no names, please) who is somewhat insecure but wants a bunch of friends around him. He buys them drinks and hosts parties in which he pays for the food and beverages. What he has attracted, unfortunately, is a gaggle of moochers. They're not interested in him. They're only interested in what they can get from him. These are not friends. Parasites would be a more accurate description.Impressing others can be expensive, so much that it drains off a lot of our income without our even realizing it. It's easier to buy a more expensive car than you can afford, to look successful. We've all been guilty of overspending on clothes to create a certain impression. Yipes! If you don't watch it, you can quickly get into debt trying to be somebody you aren't. When that happens, you take on a whole new set of worries. In the 1950s, they used to call this competitive consumerism "keeping up with the Joneses." Commercials are more subtle now, but they still try to make you believe you can become a better person based on what you buy. Where does your talent lie?You are unique. One of a kind. You don't want to imitate anybody. Strive to be yourself and develop the talents God has given you. Sometimes you have to try a lot of different things before you discover your true talent. But that's okay. When you hit it, you'll know it.Impressing others squanders your life. You're so concerned about what "they" think that you don't take time to pursue your own dreams. Their dreams--second hand dreams--are not good enough for you. Chase after your own. Even if it takes you most of your life to discover your talent, that's still a more valuable use of your time than living a fake life to win the approval of someone else. Who deserves your effort?True friends accept you as you are. It's been said of Jesus Christ that he accepts you just as you are but that he loves you too much to leave you that way.When you don't have God in your life, what standards do you follow? You think impressing others is the most important thing you can do. You gullibly accept advertising's command to buy this and buy that so you'll be a model citizen everybody will admire. What you'll become is a shallow trend-follower with a house full of junk. No, impressing people will not bring you the peace and happiness you want in life. Take some time to think about what matters. Isn't it kindness, compassion, friendship, loyalty, and decency? I've found I don't have to try to impress God. He already loves me. He wants me to grow in these qualities every day. If you've been living to impress others, get on the right path. Be you. Be the good, authentic person God destined you to be. That's what life is all about.
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