Let’s start telling the truth about our faults, failure, sins and mistakes! We can’t just keep prettying ourselves up for public consumption, while we neglect what we really matters. There has got to be more to our lives than comparing ourselves to and competing with other people.
If we are in a constant state of trying to impress other people, be accepted, and be admired, then there is no room for mistakes or vulnerability. In Galatians, Chapter 6, verses 4-5, it says: Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load. [NIV Bible]
In Matthew, Chapter 6, verses 1&5, Jesus says: “Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” Verse 5 says: “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” [NIV Bible]
Comparing ourselves to other people inevitably increases stress, envy and bitterness. Our “image” is not more important than being who we truly are. Let’s be more concerned about what God sees in us, instead of looking to other people to feel affirmed and worthy.