Unrooting the Lies

At Turning Point this past week, we looked at the thoughts that take root inside of us as beliefs and drive our behavior. These are just a few: I'm different. I'm not good enough. I should have known better. I am powerless. I can't let it out. I am a failure.

However, the truth that God sees in us that correspond with these: I'm ok as I am. I am ok. I can learn. I have choices. I can choose to let it out. I can succeed. 

"I must be perfect" was a lie I believed. Love and affirmation came from personal accomplishments. As I excelled in life, it shifted to "I am perfect." I remember thinking, "I should pray. Perfect people are Christians, I'm a Christian, and Christians pray. I should pray."

I began praying in the only way I knew how, "God, forgive me for ______." I drew a blank. I couldn't think of anything that I had done wrong. I couldn't think of any mistakes I had made. It happened on several occasions. Sadly, I am serious; it was that bad.

Since I attended church faithfully (of course!), it got increasingly more confusing. I knew I wasn't God, but yet, I knew I was perfect, so...It's called a God-complex.  

The lies become rooted so even when you recognize them, you can't make them go away with willpower. It requires bringing God to the center of your life, and he provides the lift to unroot the  lies. The truth about who you are in Christ begins to be revealed. As we connect with God, with love, the truth begins to take root inside of us.

It could not be more clearly written in 1 John 3:18-22. My dear children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love. This is the only way we'll know we're living truly, living in God's reality. It's also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves. And friends, once that's taken care of and we're no longer accusing or condemning ourselves, we're bold and free before God! We're able to stretch our hands out and receive what we asked for because we're doing what he said, doing what pleases him.

Comments

[Theresa Shock-Fell]

Thank you for sharing this...I needed to hear this message this morning!

[Kelly Regier]

Wow Kathy! That's awesome honesty that becomes a powerful tool when shared. You're not alone. I've been through that too and at a VERY young age. After all, I grew up in a Christian home and went to Bob Jones University. Could it get any more perfect than that? Haha! Boy was I wrong! It's good to look back and see where you were and what God has done through you. And even better when someone else has been there too. Thank you for sharing. :)