When I disciple those critical of others, I immediately ask the question, “What is it about yourself that you do not like?” It will often be that they are not as intelligent as their friends, or as attractive, or as talented. Therefore, since they do not love what they are, they must tear everyone else down, finding flaws to ease their own inferiority.
We are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. If that is true then most neighbors are in for a lot of disappointment when it comes to being loved…
There is a great variety of unique selves in the body of Christ, from those who love following a plan to those who never make a schedule, from those who love working with people to those who’d rather deal with things. All who are expressing the nature of their unique selves under the control of Christ’s life are a great blessing.
It will be important to discern between the three selves, the one that is crucified, the one to deny, and the one that is to be loved. The reason that I have spent considerable time explaining the baggage, residue, and old identity is so Self #2 can readily be recognized and denied. Otherwise, one could try to deny the unique self, the one God made, which is quite uncomfortable and unproductive to do.
Do you love yourself? You should! It may take some time to become pleased in what God has made you to be, but once you do, you will stop comparing yourself with others and begin to appreciate the rest of the body of Christ…
…God creates those with great talent, ability, and intellect – no one creates himself – therefore, boasting must not be in the unique self, but rather in God.
You see, talent, ability, and intellect are relative. Each unique self has its own purpose and usefulness. We have different gifts, workings, manifestations, bodies, and nationalities, but the same Spirit. Each of us is a different individual, and yet we are all one; together we experience wholeness. Paul encouraged those who are not content with the unique self (and, therefore, judge God, their Creator) to love what they are, and at the same time warned those who take pride in what God has made them to be.
You may ask, what is my unique self; how can I discern it? Knowing your unique self is simple and does not take prolonged inward vision. Your unique self is determined by those things you do naturally and are most comfortable doing (this is different from the behaviors, such as withdrawal, avoidance, and erroneous fears that may develop through false identity messages).
Just remember, however God has made you, enjoy yourself, love yourself, and refuse to listen to those who would intimidate by boasting of their natural abilities. Whatever measure He has given you, enjoy it. If you are not as intellectual as another, that was God’s decision, and if you complain, you make yourself out to be the Creator…
- Mike Wells
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