Gospel

Do We Try To Impress?

by Roland Crim
05/29/18
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Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. “Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others. Matthew 23:1-7 NIV

Why are we so desirous of impressing others? Do we often go out of our way to do things to impress others which may not reflect our normal manner?

I must confess that generally I do not go out of my way much to impress others. You can either like me for who I am, or you can choose to dislike or ignore me. I must admit I have not always been this way. I believe it is what is inside a person that is important and not what may outwardly be shown. Yes, outward actions can reflect who the person is on the inside, but, there still may exist that desire to impress by stepping outside of oneself.

Would it not be nice to be accepted for who we are, rather than for actions meant to impress? There is one who does accept us for who we are. It is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He wants to work with us to make us more Godly, but, He will not force us to do so. He looks for the heart which desires this, and will then abide in us as we strive to be more of who He wants us to be.

Let go of attempting to impress mankind. Give yourself, as you are to Christ, asking Him to help mold you into a faithful servant for Him. In Him you shall have peace and joy.