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.