We are not who we think we are

"We are not who we think we are. We are not what others think we are. We are what we think others think we are." — Charles Horton Cooley

How much of our time is spent consumed by the opinions of others? There isn’t a soul among us who hasn’t questioned their place in the eyes of the world. This kind of mental rumination quietly chips away at our self-esteem. We start adjusting our personality, our behavior—sometimes even our core values—not for growth, but to meet perceived expectations. In doing so, we trade authenticity for approval, and peace for performance.

But who, truly, are we called to impress more than God Himself?

Before the Lord, we stand not as our titles, reputations, or achievements—but as our true selves. In His eyes, we are already complete, already enough, already loved. It is in these moments of inner conflict, of identity crisis, that we must return to God. Because God doesn’t care about worldly status, wealth, or the fragile ego—that ever-changing image we construct to be accepted.

"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." — Galatians 1:10 (ESV)

Find gratitude in who you are, what you’ve been given, and let that be enough. Self-doubt in the world is often a sign of weakened faith. And the answer isn’t in reshaping yourself for others—it’s in reconnecting through prayer and remembering who created you.