“Don’t trade your authenticity for approval.” (tinybuddha.com)

In Audi’s 2017 commercial, called “The Decision”, a man is being briefed on the status of his witness protection program after having testified against criminals. The police are explaining the details of his witness protection. He will have to go by a new name, live in a new house, and drive a noticeable car. One that will help him seem like everyone else. The new car he’s shown is a picture of a Lexus NX.

We then see this man driving away in his all-new Audi Q5. We are then taken back to his conversation with the federal agents. He declines their offer as he states, “I’ll take my chances.” The man leaves as the text on the screen reads the message I want you to absorb: “Progress is never blending in.”

Until you realize how valuable you are to the Heavenly Father, your worth lies dormant. In a society of beige, be the pop of color. The Almighty desperately needs you not to blend in with the world. Stand out (no matter how difficult that may be) In fact, Matthew 5:16 (NET Bible) says this about your influence:

“In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in Heaven.” There is no need to pretend to be someone you’re not. You have nothing to prove to anyone else, because…

1. The people worth impressing just want you to be yourself.

2. No one else really knows what’s best for you (except you).

3. You are the only person who can change your life.

4. Society’s materialistic measurement of worth is worthless.

5. Life isn’t a race because you have nothing to prove to anyone.

6. The path to all great achievements passes through failure.

7. It’s impossible to please everyone (so please your Heavenly Father instead).

“The more we pray, the more we think to pray, and as we see the results of prayer-the responses of our Father to our requests-our confidence in God's power spills over into other areas of our life.” (Dallas Willard) [i]