You Don’t Need to Pretend Anymore

By Pastor Rick Warren

“I have gained perfect freedom by following your teachings.”

Psalm 119:45 (CEV)

Everywhere you look, you can find people who like to pretend.

It’s not a game; they aren’t children who are playing make-believe. They’re adults pretending to be someone other than themselves in order to get the approval of others. Seeking approval typically plays out in one of two ways.

Some are trying to meet the expectations of someone else, and that means they’re allowing their purpose in life to be defined by someone other than God. This is a dangerous way to live because people’s expectations are inconsistent.

Other people are trying to meet their own unrealistic expectations of perfectionism. That’s when you think you must be perfect to be loved and accepted. Inevitably, we fall short of being perfect, so the only option that makes sense is to fake it.

Are you pretending? Maybe you’ve been pretending for so long that you don’t know who the real you is anymore. You’re wearing a mask, and it’s wearing you out. Everyone else thinks you’ve got plenty of money, success, and happiness.

When you stop to think about it, you know the truth: You’re exhausted.

What’s the antidote for pretending? Stop focusing on what others think and start focusing on what God thinks.

Only one person knows you completely and still loves you unconditionally: God. He knows your purpose because it’s what he’s created you to do. Living for God rather than the approval of others simplifies your life.

Enjoy the peace of living for an audience of one.

October 11 from Open Doors: A Year of Devotions