SEEING YOURSELF THROUGH GOD’S EYES OF GRACE

Most people experience a sense of inferiority from time to time. When we compare ourselves to people who are highly skilled or successful, such as professional athletes, the wealthy, renowned scientists, or celebrities, we may see ourselves as inadequate in comparison. This is normal and can motivate us to improve ourselves. However, when those feelings of inadequacy become overwhelming or negatively affect our lives, it may hinder our growth and give us an inferiority complex.

We can always find someone who we feel is more intelligent, more attractive, has better parents, or comes from a “perceived” better race. When we compare our unchangeable, God-given features with others, Scripture says that we are unwise (2 Corinthians 10:12); and we make others the standard of what is acceptable rather than Christ.

If we are going to have a healthy, Biblically-based self-acceptance, we need to begin with seeing ourselves as fearfully and wonderfully designed by God. Psalm 139:13-14 says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

We need to remember that God is not finished with us yet. “For we are (present tense, continuous) His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10) “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6) Continue to trust God, the last chapter has not been written yet.

The only ideal that God has is the Lord Jesus Christ. He does not have an external or outward ideal. His purpose throughout our live is to develop the character and conduct of Jesus Christ in our life. (Romans 8:29) In order to accomplish His purpose, God will often allow defects, scars, and deformities to become His marks of ownership and a means of developing the character of Christ by giving us more grace so the His strength is made perfect in our weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

So, how can we see ourselves through God’s eyes of grace? Begin by thanking God for the way He made you, including each thing about us that we reject. Our Divine Design-maker knows what He is doing and often will use our perceived “defects” to be the avenues through which His grace and love are best manifested. (2 Corinthians 4:7)

Then, launch a study on who you are in Christ. For example: you are justified and redeemed; you are a new creation in Christ; you are chosen; holy and forgiven before God; you are always led in His triumph; and you are blessed with every spiritual blessing in heaven. Jesus Christ wants to express through you His love and hope to a hurting world!

(Adapted from “How to Tear Down The Strongholds of Inferiority” from the Advanced Training Institute of America)