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Who Are You Trying to Impress?Who Are You Trying to Impress?
by Alan Smith
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The story is told of a newly promoted colonel who moved into a makeshift office during the Gulf War. He was just getting unpacked when out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a private with a toolbox coming his way.

Wanting to seem important, he grabbed the phone: "Yes, General Schwarzkopf. Of course, I think that's an excellent plan." He continued: "You've got my support on it. Thanks for checking with me. Let's touch base again soon, Norm. Goodbye."
"And what can I do for you?" he asked the private.
"Uhhh, I'm just here to hook up your phone."

Who are you trying to impress?
For some reason (pride?), we feel it necessary to impress others, to have others think we are somebody special or that we have special connections. And so we play games, putting on a show and dropping names, sometimes appearing very foolish in the process.

Therefore when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. (Matthew 6:2)

Who are you trying to impress? The people you work with? Your boss? Your friends? Or God?

Don't play games, trying to elevate yourself in the eyes of people. Just live for God seeking his favor.

Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)

 
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      © 2004 Alan Smith. Used by permission. This devotional was reprinted from Thought for the Day.

      Title: "Who Are You Trying to Impress?"
      Author: Alan Smith
      Publication Date: March 12, 2004

 
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Alan Smith Alan Smith ministers with the Church of Christ in White House, Tennessee and publishes the email devotional "Thought for the Day."

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