Jesus, I can’t hide the fact from you that too much of my time and energy is spent being concerned about how others perceive me. I fuss about my appearance, am preoccupied about my weight, try to be “with it” so others might think highly of me and at times try to surround myself with just the right people, saying just the right things. I realize, in light of Your Word, that these entrapments don’t speak of godly character whatsoever. It’s not how others perceive me that counts at all – but it is how You see the very person I am when no other human is looking. As I spend quiet, reflective, and alone time with You I become more like You. Help me to develop and guard my daily gathering with You! In Your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.