Why Am I Always Trying to Impress People? | Esther 1:1–4

Welcome to The Daily.

I want to give a shout today to Robert Beauchemin from Alexis, NC. Thanks for being a Project23 donor as we teach through every book of the Bible over 23 years. We cannot do this without you. Read more about Project23.

Our text today is Esther 1:1–4

Now in the days of Ahasuerus, the Ahasuerus who reigned from India to Ethiopia over 127 provinces, in those days when King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in Susa, the citadel, in the third year of his reign he gave a feast for all his officials and servants. The army of Persia and Media and the nobles and governors of the provinces were before him, while he showed the riches of his royal glory and the splendor and pomp of his greatness for many days, 180 days. — Esther 1:1–4

Imagine spending six months showing people how impressive you are. That’s how this book begins.

King Ahasuerus rules 127 provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia. He sits on a royal throne in a fortified capital. His officials, military leaders, nobles, and governors all gather before him. And for 180 days, he shows them “the riches of his royal glory and the splendor and pomp of his greatness.”

Six months of parading his wealth. That’s an extraordinary display of pride. The text doesn’t tell us everything happening in his heart, but it does linger on the duration of his display. His wealth isn’t merely possessed—it must be seen.

Most of us will never experience this level of wealth, and we will probably never host such an extravagant display. But we understand the impulse.

We want people to notice our house, our new title, our physical transformation, our family success, our growing ministry, even our spirituality.

This reveals a deep need to impress, which can mature into a proud display. We don’t just want to be blessed—we want to be seen as blessed.

Even I know how subtle and deceptive this can be. I can take something God has entrusted to me and, without anyone realizing it, turn it into evidence that I matter. Then approval becomes my oxygen. So I check the response. I start looking for the reaction.

But, like you, I’ve learned that anything we use to secure our identity will eventually control us.

So back to Ahasuerus. He really did possess enormous wealth, influence, and power. The issue wasn’t his wealth itself—it was making his glory the center of the room.

The point is this: don’t diminish what God has given you. The time, talents, and treasures God has entrusted to you can be powerful. But we must deflect the glory to God and let go of the need to be seen.

And don’t miss the contrast in this book. We begin with Ahasuerus spending 180 days displaying his glory. Yet God never announces himself in the Book of Esther. Still, God is the one quietly directing the story—not Ahasuerus.

You don’t have to prove your worth. In Christ, your identity isn’t earned through effort or applause—it is received by God’s grace, not your performance.

Stop trying to impress others like a human king. Be faithful because of your Heavenly King’s greatness. Remember, you are not a king—you are a child of the King. Live out of that identity today.

DO THIS:

Do one meaningful act of faithfulness today without announcing it, posting it, or waiting for someone to notice.

ASK THIS:

1. Where am I most tempted to impress people?
2. Whose approval am I chasing?
3. What would quiet faithfulness look like today?

PRAY THIS:

Father, free me from the need to impress others and teach me to find my identity in you alone.

PLAY THIS:

Only Jesus.