Yes, it’s true. Perhaps, hard to believe. Everyone does have character defects. Everyone.
Living “Less Than”
I can give my character defects way too much power as I sometimes tell myself:
- I’m not good enough,
- I’m not skilled enough,
- I’m not smart enough,
and the playlist goes on and on.
I am an advocate of recovery. I hate that the word recovery draws most people’s minds to substance abuse and the assumption they don’t need it.
Recovery is for anyone carrying a burden(s) that causes them to live less than. Less than the incredible life Jesus died on the cross for them to live.
You were created by design for a specific purpose. If you are not living that purpose; you are living less than and recovery can help.
Living less than gives power to inauthentic behaviors. The bass player of your “less than” playlist is booming through the speakers of your mind.
Think of a car driving down the street with the bass up so loud that it is rattling the store windows as it passes. Haven’t you said, “how can that person think with all that NOISE?!”
They can’t and neither can you when the noise of your “less than” playlist is rattling your head.
The REAL Problem
I was listening to another of Michelle Nezat’s podcasts; a song by Hawk Nelson, “Live Like You are Loved.” Michelle draws out so many great points. She talks about 2 great people of the Bible – Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 and Joseph in Genesis, relating back to 2 Corinthians.
Paul wanted his affliction just taken away. He asked multiple times. He came to see that his struggle (weakness) brought Him closer to God and a thankful heart.
Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers. His brother’s struggled with character defects which they eventually realized, but not before much pain was brought to Joesph and their own father.
Listening to all of this made me think about how Paul and Joseph rose above their struggles and any feelings of being less than, not loved, not good enough and other self-defeating thoughts.
Character Defects in Perspective
I have character defects and I always will. Same is true for you.
Having character defects isn’t our problem.
Last night I had familiar feelings return; like those above. I would sum them up as, “I’m not lovable.”
I told God I was sorry for even allowing these feelings. I know they aren’t true. When they arise, I start questioning and doubting my purpose.
When I got up this morning, I went to a new 52-week devotional I got in the mail on Friday. The title of the first devotional is “Three word you need to hear.” “I. Love. You.”
I glanced at my email and saw the new podcast titled “Live Like You Are Loved.”
Think there’a message God wants me to hear? You bet! He wants you to hear it too!
Our Character Defects Give Great Opportunity
- Opportunity to take our eyes off of the lies that we aren’t loved, aren’t good enough, aren’t ______.
- Opportunity to give Jesus the spotlight rather, than keeping the light on ourselves.
- Opportunity to let the love of God go deeper into our souls and raise us above the people, places and things that want to hold us down; including our own minds.
- Opportunity to walk in the faith, hope and willingness that Jesus provides.
When you choose to live in the truth of who you are through Jesus, your character defects will not own you. Your authentic self can shine because you know what is true.
You will be a work in progress until the day Jesus comes for you. Being a work in progress is a good thing! It is not something to be hidden.
[stextbox id=”custom” bwidth=”3″ color=”FAFEFF” bcolor=”8C6727″ bgcolor=”50C7C3″ bgcolorto=”50C7C3″]I paid a huge price for you: …That’s how much you mean to me! That’s how much I love you! I’d sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you.~ Isaiah 43:4 (MSG)[/stextbox]
Let’s partner and put things into proper perspective.
Let’s get you in alignment with your God-given purpose.
Let’s shine Truth on those character defects!
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I have been dealing with feelings of inadequacy since I was forced to leave my job recently. In looking for work, I’ve used several headhunters. they say “you have a great resume”; but I never hear of any job options. So I took it upon myself to find my own opportunities. And because I am learning to say “I know I am loved, I know I am valued” I was able to rise above a rejection after 3 interviews. I had interview two today of another opportunity. I felt confident. Even after a rough night, and little sleep; I awoke and said to the enemy “I am a child of the King and I am valuable! I will not let you steal away my joy.” Not easy; but it made all the difference in my interview. I’m trusting my Father for the outcome.
Good for you Julie. The enemy of our soul uses many tactics to bring us down. God uses everything our benefit and His glory if we allow Him too.
He will always honor your commitment to Him. We do need to keep those personal affirmations of truth playing during valleys of growth.