Articles
Don’t Be So Insecure
Did it cause the Pharisees to "do all their deeds to be noticed by men" (Mat. 23:5)? It may have tempted Jeremiah to be afraid of the faces of those who he had to confront (Jer. 1:8, KJV). It certainly led Peter, Barnabas, and the rest of the Jews in Antioch to stop eating with the Gentiles, "afraid of criticism" (Gal. 2:12-13, NLT). The word "insecure" is not in the Bible, but the idea is there.
Today, we are not immune to feelings of insecurity. While the cause may be physical appearance, financial status, social status, or the like, the effect very often is a temptation to compromise regarding what is right, conform to worldly behaviors, and cross biblical lines to have the acceptance of people. Do you remember how "many even of the rulers believed in [Jesus], but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God" (John 12:42-43)? Jesus warned against a mindset that sought to "receive glory from one another" instead of the glory that comes from God (John 5:44).
No one likes to be on the outside looking in. We do not want others to look down on us. Everyone experiences feelings of vulnerability from time to time. How do we fight insecurity? Consider a few biblical tips:
-Never forget that you are an image bearer of God (Gen. 1:27).
-Remember how highly God thinks of you (Job 7:17; Psa. 8:4).
-Put your focus on serving others and thinking of them (Phil. 2:3; Mark 10:45).
-Make sure that you are not exclusive or snubbing with others (Rom. 15:7).
-Get your satisfaction and sense of identity most from your relationship with God (2 Cor. 6:18; Rev. 5:10).
-Do not let the world define or be the measuring stick of success (1 John 2:15-17).
-Understand how fleeting and fickle the praise and acceptance of man is (Heb. 11:25-26).
-Remember that often the approval of man comes at the expense of God's approval (Rom. 1:32; 2 Tim. 4:10).
For our part, we should do what we can to make others feel appreciated, valued, and loved. Such an outward focus goes a long way to a sense of fulfillment and security. But, much of our insecurity will wane and fade the more we will concentrate on self-forgetfulness and sincere service!
