It’s that time of year. All the social media posts of the smiling happy holidays. I enjoy seeing what everybody’s doing. But if I’m not careful, all those highlight reels of other people’s lives can leave me feeling a bit empty. And wondering if my life is good enough.

A reality check in the Word of God puts things in perspective.

God doesn’t want or need flawless, shiny lives. He doesn’t need me to have the perfect house, the perfect body, the perfect family. I don’t have to meet some unrealistic standard in my holiday celebration.

As a matter of fact, God judges nations in the Old Testament because of the emptiness of their outward splendor, which is just a sign of their prideful hearts.

In Ezekiel 28:17 He warns Tyre , “Your heart was proud because of your beauty, you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor.”

How easy it is to get things turned around. How easy it is to long for the outward appearance of beauty and success that is admired by the world.

Two thousand years ago, God chose two people who were the least impressive in the world’s eyes to carry out the greatest purpose in the history of the earth. An old, barren woman would give birth to the one who would pave the way for the Messiah, and a young, lowly virgin would give birth to the Savior of the world. 

Why do I ever think I have to prove myself by the world’s standards??

Colossians 3:12 reminds us, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”

Just like Elizabeth and Mary, we too are God’s chosen ones! We are holy and beloved in God’s eyes! And the things He wants us to reflect are inward virtues, not outward attractiveness. 

God, this holiday season help me focus on having a humble and contrite spirit. Keep my heart from pride in any way and let my life be a reflection of You.