Stepping Stones: Are You Adequate Enough?

Transformational Thought

Call it what you want, we all have weaknesses, issues, baggage, or shortcomings. That’s why marketing and advertising strategies are so successful. Commercials point out our problems, sometimes with humorous exaggeration, and then tell us, actually sell us, what we need to feel adequate, satisfied, whole, healed, or better in all those areas of struggle.

Actually, we are all born with an accurate sense of our extreme inadequacy. Why? Because we are separated from God and desperately need Him … in fact, we are designed to need Him. Our sin separates us from God and condemns us.

But so many of us carry the constant burden of condemnation, even after accepting Christ’s victory over our sin. We develop a false standard that embellishes those insecure and inadequate feelings we harbor in our core. These feelings keep our heads down, smiles off our faces, and our lights dimly light. Does this describe you? Does it describe others you know?

These feelings come from a lifetime of arrows constantly launched at us. Some of those arrows come from those closest to us … words and glances of disapproval from parents, friends, spouses, or kids. We are not good enough, smart enough, strong enough, pretty enough. Know that all those arrows originate from our ultimate and only true enemy, Satan. He’s the guy that hands out the arrows. He wants to capitalize on that original feeling of spiritual inadequacy, bankruptcy actually, and have us believe it will always hang around our neck and choke us. Satan is the one who wants us to be in a constant state of feeling condemned.

Remember that those who shoot the arrows are full of arrows themselves. (And admit that you too have been an archer). Remember, hurt people will hurt people. They aren’t your real enemy. But you and I and all those who are in Christ Jesus can be condemnation-free from this moment forward. Scripture tells us clearly, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Today, watch your words and actions. Don’t let Satan use you like a puppet to launch arrows at others. Guard your thoughts and words. Look to encourage and comfort first, then gently correct. If you are feeling condemned: 1. Repent by confessing your wrong doing or wrong thinking; 2. Accept God’s forgiveness; 3. Stop being so prideful thinking you need to add something to God’s power, grace, or Jesus’ death for your forgiveness. 4. Examine what baggage is still brainwashing you in this area of struggle. Receive all His grace and forgiveness. Believe it, and rejoice that our heavenly Father accepts you, the prodigal child, and can truly make you whole. Believe this good news and carry this message to those you know who suffer from inadequacy and condemnation. Your decision, choose well.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I believe You have freed me from all condemnation through the death of Your Son on the cross for my sins. And while I do believe, I still struggle with feelings of condemnation … sometimes for no apparent reason. But I know my past baggage rears its ugly head in subliminal ways. Open my eyes to issues I need to work on. Help me to apply Your instruction to them. Father, I come to You with an open heart and with a thankful spirit. I ask that You help me experience the full freedom You have made possible for me. Thank You, Lord. I know that I need Your Spirit to help me, but I am unsure of how to fully engage His assistance. Show me the way, Lord. In the name of the most adequate, purifying blood of Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!

The Truth
Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:1-2

He (the devil) was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies
John 8:44

And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate.
Luke 15:19-24