When We Feel Inferior

 Ephesians 2:10

Early in my life, I experienced some feelings of inferiority. Because we struggled financially, because of that, I didn’t get to participate in the “cool” activities, and I didn’t wear the “right” clothes. Even in school, I felt that I did not measure up to the other kids.  I remember repeatedly through my elementary school years about being picked on because I had shoes and clothes from Wal-Mart and not the newest set of Jordan’s or Reebok Pumps like the other kids did.  I know, I just dated myself. It wasn’t until I was older and began purchasing those things that it began to die down, but it was only replaced with other issues, like weight, etc. The sense of failure and embarrassment at not being good enough was devastating to me.

The misery of inferiority is never what God intends for His children. Its seed usually takes root in the impressionable hearts of the young and thrives in an atmosphere of comparison. This kind of emotional baggage can have debilitating and enslaving ramifications in every area of life. Feelings of inadequacy may cause avoidance of healthy challenges; low self-esteem cripples personal relationships; and comparison steals contentment.  We must remember though that the self-esteem the Bible talks of is not the same the world would have us to believe.  Our worth is not in ourselves at all.  Our worth is found only in Jesus Christ.  When we realize that though and hear His call, our freedom is found because look how worthy He is!  His worth is imputed upon us therefore, we can hold our heads high, not because of how good we are, but because of how good He is!

We need to understand how God sees us. Then, when feelings of inferiority come, we can cling to His accurate assessment rather than our own faulty one. He says we are His workmanship—His masterpieces. Each person is thoughtfully designed by the Creator for His purpose. The differences that cause us to make comparisons and feel discouraged are the very qualities that the Lord created to bring Him glory.

Feelings of inferiority are a hindrance to becoming the people that the heavenly Father designed us to be and a deterrent to fulfilling His purpose for our lives. When it comes to our value, we either accept the truth of His appraisal or decide not to believe Him and instead rely on our own feelings. What will your choice be?