We look around us and see so many people that we admire in one way or another. They have certain traits about them that we like. It is okay if we change certain things about us to be a better person. What we have to refrain from doing, though, is trying to be that other person. We have to be ourselves, and like who we are.
This leads us into looking honestly at ourselves to see who we really are. A warning is needed here. The person we actually are may not be who we think we are. In fact, we may not like our real self. Honest evaluation is needed. An unknown writer says it this way: “It is better to be more than you seem, than to seem more than you are.” When we seem to be more than we really are, we will impress people. Yes, we will impress others, but only for a short time. Sooner or later, our real self will be discovered. This results in others not thinking as highly of us, as they did before.
Th Holy Bible tells us not to try and impress others. It wants us to be ourselves, and to let Christ shine in our lives. Peter was associating with Gentiles until visitors from Jerusalem arrived. Then he withdrew from the Gentiles to impress the Jerusalem visitors. “for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles, but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision” (Galatians 2:12; NKJV). Peter acted one way before the Jewish visitors arrived, and another way after they showed up. Did anyone take notice of the behavior change? Paul did, and he confronted Peter. “Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed” (Matthew 2:11; NKJV).
Do not try to impress others. Just be yourself!
