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Now when it reached the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai who had taken her as his daughter, to go in to the king, she did not seek anything except what Hegai, the king’s eunuch who kept charge of the women, said. And Esther advanced in favor in the eyes of all who saw her.

Esther 2:15, LSB

Esther never forgot who she was or where she came from.  She was in a place different from her culture, but she never let go of her background. She didn’t earn favor by just trying to fit in, but she learned and was respectful of the people and listened to be able to show herself as a woman deserving of respect. She walked with integrity. She didn’t compromise herself or her values so she would fit in, but fit those things of the culture into her life that would help her be able to shine above all others. It is too often that we think that we have to act and be like others to garner respect, but Christ calls us to be in the world and not of it. Sadly, when we try too hard to fit in with others, we lose our integrity and will often fit in less, but when we live in a way that respects others while remaining true to who our Lord calls us to be, we find that people will often be attracted to us. This is our calling in our witness. We don’t have to be pointing out others' failures and faults to lead them to Christ, but live simply and act in ways that will be inoffensive while keeping our faith first and shining out Christ’s love and leading others to His peace.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.