Within the heart of every person there is a cry for identity and direction. Where we find our answers will determine if we really win over the feelings of inferiority. There comes a time in every life when good ideas, the philosophy of man, and even affirmation from others all fall short of the rescue we need from feelings of rejection, hurt, confusion, and inferiority. The frustration we sense because of feelings of inferiority can be won over and that is the reason for this blog.
Believe it or not, even the most dedicated christian have to face the feelings of inferiority. Sometimes the very bible we read to grow in faith by is read in a way that tears us down and leaves us feeling inferior to other christians, especially those we read about in the Bible. What we must remember is everyone is on a journey and even the heroes of faith we read about also made mistakes and had to deal with these same emotions. So how do we deal with these feelings? Believing we don’t measure up is a tactic of Satan. He loves for us to compare ourselves, which is never wise (2 Cor 10:12). Instead of seeing it as something we haven’t done, we must begin to see it as something we also can do by the grace of God (Eph 4:7). I believe the Apostle Paul would zealously encourage us and recount how very human those Book of Acts saints were. Then tell us, if God did it for them, He can do it for us! We, like they, can seize God’s grace to overcome faults. In other words, the scriptures must be used to show us what can be done and how we can be the people that God will use to see it done (Phil 4:13).
Another thing that is vital in overcoming the feelings of inferiority is knowing our identity. In other words. Really knowing who we are (2 Cor 5:17). The fact of our being children of God is our supreme confidence, not only in facing battle, but also in facing God (Heb 10:22-23). Identity tells us what and who we are. Identity is more important than self esteem because our identity is the real truth about ourselves. It is what God says about us. It ism’t until we look only to God and give Him the final say about our identity and really believe it, that the feelings of inferiority are broken off of us. When we begin to see ourselves as His children, who have been made righteous (2 Cor 5:21), and the object of His love things change. Now the feelings of inferiority are replaced by forgiveness, confidence, and identity.
We each need far more than self-esteem, we need God esteem. One of the quickest ways to get it is to understand our new identity in Christ. The feeling of inferiority will only be a thing of the past when we begin to see who God made us, what He has given us, and what we can do because we are in Christ and begin to live like it. This will advance you in the right direction that God has for you.
Check out our identity series for more information on this topic and others similar to it.