The Poser

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:2‬

Behold, the poser.

A lily that is trying its darnedest to be a tulip.

If it weren’t so beautiful and unique a result, it would be downright ridiculous.

Who ever heard of a flower wishing it could bloom differently? Wanting a different shape or form? Copying the characteristics of the plant down the street?

Seems silly. Every occupant in the garden matters. Each has a beauty all its own. Each brings a scent or flavour or texture or colour or gift to the garden that creates a magnificent composition when planted together in harmony.

So – why are you looking so hard at your neighbours?

In the surface, they have what you lack.

Nicer clothes. Thicker hair. Clearer skin. Slimmer thighs. Straighter teeth.

Plus, they have way more Facebook friends. They seem more happy, better adjusted, have more financial success, and draw more attention than you.

So you turn into what you swore you’d never be.

The poser.

Ah, friend.

Don’t tell me you want to bloom just like the flower down the street.

That’s silly.

Bloom you!

But – your most bountiful blooms, the youest you will ever be, is found only when you surrender to the One who knows and loves you best. The One who created you to fit into the garden design as a unique and beautiful blossom chose you for your unique characteristics – and designed a magnificent purpose, a place to root and blossom that only you can fill.

Copying the ‘in crowd’ will only lead to emptiness – especially if you have to change who you are to fit the mould.

Rather, allow God to do the work of radically transforming the way you think, how you react, how you view yourself and your place in the garden. His plan for you is good, pleasing, and perfect.

He wants you.

Not a fake version of you as you frantically spin on the treadmill, trying to be something you are not.

Not the poser.

The genuine, wonderful, imperfect, messy, magnificent you that this world can’t do without.

Want to really stand out?

Be you.

(The real one.)

Drop the act with me?

Father, we learn early to feel our inadequacy, our humanity, and wish for Eden, our perfect self. But we mistakenly take this drive and try to copy what we see in others rather than developing our own unique characteristics! We look to our culture for validation when we ought to look to You. Help us to explore and accept our truest selves as we submit to Your transforming power in our lives. Amen.