Unpretentious Living

As I read this, this morning I thought to myself what a good reminder, who am I living for today? Am I putting on a facade? The face that I think people should see? OR am I letting my light shine for Jesus? The verse that comes to mind is Matthew 5:16-"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." I just wanted to share what encouraged and convicted me on my journey this morning. Enjoy.

“Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food.” Proverbs 12:9

Unpretentious living is an invitation to down-to-earth interaction with others. Rest and relaxation attend to those who are truly themselves, without acting like someone they’re not. However, pretentious speech and behavior require extra energy to engage with their environment. Contentment is illusive and intimacy is an illusion. I become the most stressed when I feel I have to live up to something, or be someone I’m not.
Moreover, when you are real, and not fake, your friends feel the freedom to do the same. You give off energy instead of forever sucking it from others. I have to be honest and ask often, “Am I being myself, or am I trying to dress, talk, drive a certain car, or live in a high-status neighborhood that is motivated by a need to be somebody I’m not?” Pretense is birthed out of pride, but humility is the fruit of unpretentious living.

Jesus is clear, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11 NASB). In Christ you are somebody. High or low net worth, small or large home, new or used car, prestigious university or common college, in Him you are somebody. You are somebody to your Savior Jesus.

The Bible says, “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27b). Out of your simple faith and modesty, the Lord takes center stage of your life. Humility positions you to point people to heaven. Therefore, keep your life unencumbered, so people can see your Savior shine forth. Ask yourself, “Who am I trying to impress, people I really don’t know, or the Lover of my soul, Jesus?”

The Bible says, “Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ” (Galatians 6:12).

How can I be more authentic and open with my spouse, children and work associates?