Inferior AND Guilty!

~ Not an “Inferiority Complex,” but Inferior! ~ 

  
A correct understanding of natural abilities, spiritual gifts, and the grace of God takes away any and all feelings of either inferiority or superiority. What do you possess which is not a gift from God?

There is an old story about a woman looking at proofs of her photography shoot. She complained to the photographer that none of the photos “do me justice.” The photographer replied, “Lady, you don’t need justice, you need mercy!”

One of the amazing things about the Bible is that it paints a realistic and disturbing portrait of its heroes—a portrait that doesn’t match the picture of a problem-free maturity. Consider some examples, Moses hit a rock twice when God had told him to speak to it (Numbers 20:7-12). David stole a woman (2 Samuel 11). Jonah got mad when his enemies turned to God (Jonah 3:10-4:11). Paul felt great despair (2 Corinthians 1:8). Elijah wished to die (1 Kings 19:1-9). Peter was snobbish at a dinner party (John 21:20-25). These and other Biblical narratives of people whom God used give me hope!

When we understand the reality of who we are and our natural tendencies, we realize it is not a question of having a “guilt complex” but rather the issue of guilt. It is not an “inferiority complex” but rather a matter of being flawed at our very core! It is not a case of being superior but rather pride in our heart—and pride is a root of all sin.

What do you have which was not given to you? There is no room for pride or feelings of superiority. What do you lack which is not within the sovereign will of God? There is no room for feelings of inferiority. 

“For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (Romans 11:29 KJV). The Amplified Bible says it this way, “For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable. [He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call].”

The remedy for all of these maladies is found only in the pharmacy of the Great Physician. Jesus Christ died for you. If you accept His Rx, you become His chosen representative on earth (1 Peter 2:9).

Man and woman were the epitome of creation before sin entered (with a huge element of pride). However, because of the death of Jesus Christ on your behalf, you can be restored to the top and have a right relationship with God.

For many years I have realized that every Godly person I have known has had a deep sense of their own sinfulness.

Look at the progress of spiritual maturity in the life of the Apostle Paul. At the beginning of his ministry he referred to himself as an “Apostle” (Romans 1:1, etc.). As his life progressed, he called himself “the least of apostles” (1 Corinthians 15:9). Then he called himself a sinner (Romans 7) and later he called himself “the chief of sinners” (1 Peter 1:15).

Also, when I study the Word of God I also find that everyone in Scripture who had a direct encounter with God was overwhelmed by their own sinfulness. How do you view yourself? Does your view line up with the Word of God?

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW