Quite the question isn’t it? One I have always found difficult to answer. I seem to be able to understand others fairly well, but when it comes to myself it is a different story. I am guessing this might be true for more people than just me.
We all have messages we received in childhood. Unfortunately, some of these messages were not the most kind or even the most accurate. The problem is, we believed what we were told.
For instance, maybe you were told you were clumsy. Throughout your life, any time you take a misstep you hear a little voice reminding you how clumsy you are. We can even try to change who we are based on negative feedback from others. I always felt that my personality was a little too much, the message I heard was to hold myself back some, don’t be too enthusiastic. So consequently, I did.
Trying to battle the false messages rolling around in our heads is difficult. However, the Bible has a lot of truths in it to arm us for this battle. We are told in Romans 8:1 that we are no longer condemned if we are in Christ. Then in Galatians 5:1 it reminds us, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again.” Such as with things like accusing whispers from our past.
I love what it says in Ephesians 4:24, “Put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Isn’t that awesome? Jesus can take away all the negative ideas of who we think we are, and allow us to be our true, whole, new selves in Him.
Of course, it does still take some practice to be who we really are. I’m not quite there yet, but when I get to the point where I can truly be who I really am, I will walk into the room, throw my arms wide and say, “I’m here!” And for the first time, I will be.
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
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