COMPARING YOURSELF WITH OTHERS DOES MORE HARM THAN GOOD
Breaking the stronghold of inferiority complex.
By Michael Benson Ajayi
John 21:20 -22 "Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me".
Inferiority complex is a strong feeling of insecurity and inadequacy which influences all of a person's interactions. Peter was adjudge leader of the disciples and was naturally expected to enjoy more benefits from Jesus than the others. This was his carnal reasoning but it was contrary to God's principles . The scriptures says in James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." We have equal opportunity with God. The scriptures in John21:20-22 describes John as the disciple whom Jesus loved because of his affinity for God’s word(John14:21). He was fond of resting his head on Jesus' chest.The word of God had become his resting place. God does not draw near to anyone neither does He draw anyone to himself. He is omnipresent and thus doesn't move from place to place like a physical object but is able to move all things .The level of one's awareness of His love and eternal presence in our lives determines the degree of liberty one would be able to express(James4:7-8). The closer we are to His word the more we experience His liberty , peace and a healthy self esteem.
In John 21:19-22 ,Peter manifested a sense of low self esteem while comparing himself to John and the liberty he enjoyed. Jesus had said there were some persons who wouldn't taste death until they saw His second coming, and John was one of them . He had an epiphany in which he received graphic details of Christ's second manifestation: this is well chronicled in the book of revelations. It was rumoured that John wouldn't die physically but the scriptures debunked the rumour in John21:23 . Rumour mongering and hyper criticism are two symptoms of a our struggling with inferiority complex and if not checked , it could result in self destruction and loss of faith in the lord.
A sense of discontent, disconnect,discouragement , depression and envy are the result of comparing ourselves with others and they lead to a low self esteem often shrouded by an holier-than- thou attitude by practitioners of man -made religion. It is the reason behind the killing of Christians by terrorists under the guise of pleasing God. Character assassination is another affect of low self -esteem among church folks. Joseph’s brothers envied him and planned to have him killed but he was rescued by God ( Acts7:9) And lot of persons have been tempted to tone down their success in a bid to please those struggling with inferiority complex, the danger in doing this is that such persons end up living false and unhappy lives .God isn't pleased when our frustrations becomes an instrument that discourages others.
When we compare ourselves with the intent of being mentored or in a bid to count our blessings then it becomes productive and mutually edifying . Low self-esteem leads to pride and competitiveness or unhealthy rivalry. In Genesis chapters 29 and 30 we see the bitter rivalry between Jacob's wives . They were sisters from same parents but this didn't stop from being consumed in bitter rivalry that eventually resulted in the death of Leah. The more we spend lesser time in studying and meditating on the word of God the more worldly or carnal minded we become. A carnal mind is driven by the lust of the eyes, pride of life and lust of the flesh. It is a sign that one is spiritually immature (1cor.3:1-8) .
Living to please Jesus is the cure for low self esteem. You can't please the world. When God’s priority of winning souls for the kingdom becomes our priority we automatically receive peace out of a sense of purposeful living . The man or woman who is dedicated to fulfilling this divine purpose is ever so thankful for being used as an instrument meet for the Lord’s use . God’s glory shall be seen on you as you read this now in Jesus name. Prayer/counseling +234 8098 536 911, +234 8035 536 911 Email.michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
By Michael Benson Ajayi
John 21:20 -22 "Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me".
Inferiority complex is a strong feeling of insecurity and inadequacy which influences all of a person's interactions. Peter was adjudge leader of the disciples and was naturally expected to enjoy more benefits from Jesus than the others. This was his carnal reasoning but it was contrary to God's principles . The scriptures says in James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." We have equal opportunity with God. The scriptures in John21:20-22 describes John as the disciple whom Jesus loved because of his affinity for God’s word(John14:21). He was fond of resting his head on Jesus' chest.The word of God had become his resting place. God does not draw near to anyone neither does He draw anyone to himself. He is omnipresent and thus doesn't move from place to place like a physical object but is able to move all things .The level of one's awareness of His love and eternal presence in our lives determines the degree of liberty one would be able to express(James4:7-8). The closer we are to His word the more we experience His liberty , peace and a healthy self esteem.
In John 21:19-22 ,Peter manifested a sense of low self esteem while comparing himself to John and the liberty he enjoyed. Jesus had said there were some persons who wouldn't taste death until they saw His second coming, and John was one of them . He had an epiphany in which he received graphic details of Christ's second manifestation: this is well chronicled in the book of revelations. It was rumoured that John wouldn't die physically but the scriptures debunked the rumour in John21:23 . Rumour mongering and hyper criticism are two symptoms of a our struggling with inferiority complex and if not checked , it could result in self destruction and loss of faith in the lord.
A sense of discontent, disconnect,discouragement , depression and envy are the result of comparing ourselves with others and they lead to a low self esteem often shrouded by an holier-than- thou attitude by practitioners of man -made religion. It is the reason behind the killing of Christians by terrorists under the guise of pleasing God. Character assassination is another affect of low self -esteem among church folks. Joseph’s brothers envied him and planned to have him killed but he was rescued by God ( Acts7:9) And lot of persons have been tempted to tone down their success in a bid to please those struggling with inferiority complex, the danger in doing this is that such persons end up living false and unhappy lives .God isn't pleased when our frustrations becomes an instrument that discourages others.
When we compare ourselves with the intent of being mentored or in a bid to count our blessings then it becomes productive and mutually edifying . Low self-esteem leads to pride and competitiveness or unhealthy rivalry. In Genesis chapters 29 and 30 we see the bitter rivalry between Jacob's wives . They were sisters from same parents but this didn't stop from being consumed in bitter rivalry that eventually resulted in the death of Leah. The more we spend lesser time in studying and meditating on the word of God the more worldly or carnal minded we become. A carnal mind is driven by the lust of the eyes, pride of life and lust of the flesh. It is a sign that one is spiritually immature (1cor.3:1-8) .
Living to please Jesus is the cure for low self esteem. You can't please the world. When God’s priority of winning souls for the kingdom becomes our priority we automatically receive peace out of a sense of purposeful living . The man or woman who is dedicated to fulfilling this divine purpose is ever so thankful for being used as an instrument meet for the Lord’s use . God’s glory shall be seen on you as you read this now in Jesus name. Prayer/counseling +234 8098 536 911, +234 8035 536 911 Email.michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
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