Overcoming Inferiority: Walking in Confidence and Christ's Victory

Inferiority is the feeling of being substandard or of a lesser degree than others. It is a negative self-critical attitude that can cripple our effectiveness and distort our view of ourselves. The devil often uses feelings of inferiority to divert our eyes from the certain victory we have in Christ, focusing instead on our faults, limitations, and past mistakes.

Understanding the Root of Inferiority

As the devil tries to shut us down by reminding us of our faults, limitations and mistakes, so diverting our eyes off the certain victory in Christ onto the defeat we experience when Christ is left out of the equation, we need to bring every thought into submission to the power of Christ (2 Cor 10:5). All negative, self-critical attitudes are not from God and are harmful to our personality if allowed to take root in the mind.

Protect your heart from all such thought patterns that are not positive and uplifting, making a conscious effort to replace them with good thoughts and the Word of God which will transform your mind (Prov 4:23; Rom 12:1-2; Phil 4:8). We have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its creator and so live a new life free from Satan's crippling condemnation, being on our guard not to get tangled up again with that which is not helpful (Rom 6:4, 8:1-2; Gal 5:1; Col 3:9-10).

Feeling inferior is an emotional issue, a harsh self-criticism that affects our self-esteem and security by evaluating ourselves less favourably than others do. Many people are not happy with their jobs because of self-accusations or comments from others ridiculing their efforts and work. Accept the divine appraisal, not those of others who try to put you down so they can feel better about themselves.

Hurts, rejection and previous failures need to be addressed and dealt with. Remember all life is a learning experience, and the Bible tells us not to compare ourselves with others for this will result in either pride or self-condemnation (2 Cor 10:12). Understand that hassles, frustrations and mistakes are a part of life; they do not make us substandard. Do not accept the lies of Satan to keep us low, failing to realise the potential and resources in Christ. Gain a true perspective of whom you are in Christ – your identity as chosen, blood-washed, forgiven children of God.

Biblical Examples of Overcoming Inferiority

Gideon suffered from inferiority, "How can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family" (Jdg 6:15). God miraculously used Gideon to bring about a tremendous victory, however it was accomplished in such a manner that God would receive the praise and the people would not be able to take the credit thinking they had achieved it by their own power (Jdg 7:2).

When we move from inferiority to a place of confidence, do not let pride blind us to the fact that it is by God's grace. "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord" (Deut 8:18; Zech 4:6).

Don't be intimidated by the age, accomplishments, knowledge or experience of others (1 Tim 4:12). "I am not inferior to you", was Job's response to his critics (Job 12:3). Everybody has strengths as well as weaknesses. We can do some things better than others and in different things they are more proficient than we are yet this does not infer inferiority or superiority, instead we are complementary. Each of us has an important role to play in the natural realm besides within the family of God (1 Cor 12:4-7).

Believe God's appraisal of you rather than that of others

Giving in to inferiority is belittling salvation and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life transforming a sinner into the image of Christ, however we must have a correct perspective of what we were, what we are now and who brought about this change (1 Sam 15:17; Rom 8:29). In humility have a right assessment; in ourselves, we are nothing, but victorious in Christ (Jer 1:6-8; Rom 8:37; Phil 3:13).

How can we fear man when we have the Spirit of the Living God dwelling in us, the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead? Our confidence is based on 'Christ in us, the hope of glory', rather than reliance on our own ability or giftings – He has blessed us with these attributes and as good stewards we utilize them for the good of humans and especially the Kingdom of God (Gal 6:10; Col 1:27). Attempt great things for the Kingdom of God. God will reward each action of faith undertaken in response to His directions (Mt 16:27; 1 Thes 1:3; Heb 6:10).

Living in Confidence Through Christ

Don't focus on your inability or be fearful of the enemy which will prevent you from exercising your strengths, holding you handicapped by past failures. God is with us. He said, "I will never leave nor forsake you" so keep your eyes on Christ remembering "Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world" (Deut 20:1; Josh 1:5; Mt 28:20; Heb 12:2, 13:5; 1 Jn 4:4). Hope doesn't disappoint, we have God's love and the Holy Spirit within, with submission indicating obedience to Scripture (Rom 5:5; 1 Cor 6:19, 11:3).

God doesn't make junk

Reflection and Application:

What areas of inferiority have you been struggling with, and how can you bring these thoughts into submission to Christ?
How does knowing your identity in Christ change your perspective on your weaknesses and limitations?
In what ways have you been comparing yourself to others, and how can you focus on God's unique purpose for your life?
What steps can you take this week to replace negative self-talk with God's truth about who you are in Him?