I Don’t Need to Pretend Anymore

In review of Psalm 119:45 it says, “I have gained perfect freedom by following your teachings” (Psalm 119:45 CEV).

Today’s verse is from Psalm 119. It says, I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.

God's word is true and wonderful. I need to stay true to God and his word no matter how bad the world becomes. Obedience to God's laws is the only way to achieve real happiness. For obeying God's laws will not restrain me. Rather, they will free me to be what God designed me to be. By living his way, I have the freedom to fulfill God's plan for my life.

Lots of people like to pretend. This is not about children who play make-believe. Its adults (including myself) who try to pretend they’re somebody else to get the approval of others.

Perhaps I’ve been pretending for so long that I don’t know who the real me is anymore. I may be  wearing a mask, and it’s wearing me out. Everyone else thinks you’ve got plenty of . But the truth is, I’m exhausted.

Social media exaggerates the problem. It’s the biggest tool today that can lock me into a pretend world. If I was to post a picture of a great sunrise today, I’d want to post a better picture tomorrow. I don’t post a photo of myself five minutes after I wake up, the real me, dark circles under your eyes, bedhead, and all. Instead, I just pretend I’m something or someone I’m not or compare my life with what others post.

I may be pretending for one of two reasons (or maybe even both).

First is the people-pleasing trap, where I want to meet their expectations and fulfill their purpose for my life or my job. But even God can’t please everyone, and it’s foolish to attempt something God can’t even do. As one person prays for rain, another prays for sunshine. Someone’s always going to be unhappy.

Secondly is the trap of perfectionism. When I think I must be perfect to be loved. But the problem is, I know better. I know I’m not perfect. So I just pretend.

So what’s the antidote for pretending? I need to stop focusing on what others think and start focusing on what God thinks.

Only one person knows me completely, loves me unconditionally, and knows exactly what I’m created to do: God. Living for God rather than the approval of others simplifies my life. When I do that, I live for an audience of one, rather than 50.

The Bible says it like this: “I have gained perfect freedom by following your teachings” (Psalm 119:45 CEV).

Freedom comes when I look to God for approval and not anyone else. I don’t need to earn his love. I don’t need to be perfect to please him. I can’t buy his approval or fake my way to it.

He knows everything I’ve ever done, and he loves me, totally, fully, and overwhelmingly.

So I don’t need to pretend anymore.

Bottom Line:

Freedom comes from following your teachings

What this means to me:

I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your teachings.

In summary, I can walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments for they will free me from what God designed me to be. I have the freedom to fulfill God's plan for my life. I've been reminded that I've been pretending for so long that that I don't know who the real me is. I get caught up in the people-pleasing trap, where I want to meet their expectations and fulfill their purpose for my work. But even God can't please everyone. I also get caught up in the trap of perfectionism, when I'm not, so I pretend to be or want to give the illusion that I am. I'm reminded that the antidote for this is to stop focusing on what others things and focus on what God thinks. Live for God's approval, or an audience of one.

Wow, God really spoke and gave me direction through this study this morning. After yesterday, I had been feeling a bit down, like I had let some many down regarding problems at work (WebEx changes due to the contract expiring, Macbook authentication issues to the proxy, new Landesk not working, announcement / final decision to move some of my resources to other leaders and hearing that others thought this was a good move.) God knows how I felt and provided me this word and help today. I need to stop pretending to please everyone and know that I won’t be perfect.

This morning Father I pray for your continued wisdom and guidance in my work, leadership and interactions with others. I ask that the Holy Spirit remind me to live for the audience of one, you. You love me and want me to succeed at fulfilling your plan for me. This I pray in your Son Jesus name, amen!