As I was speaking with a group of 14 missionaries last week, I asked them to write down what lies they believe. Overwhelmingly, this group wrote down the they are believing the lie that they are unworthy and don't measure up.
When the Spirit led Jesus into the desert, this was one of the ways that the devil tempted him. Jesus overcame 3 different types of temptation:
1. "I can never have enough" (Matthew 4:3-4)
2. "I can never be enough" (Matthew 4:5-7)
3. "I can never do enough" (Matthew 4:8-10)
For my life, my primary struggle has been seeking the approval of others, while my secondary has been trying to be the best. Practically, on a team, I desire first to please the team with my actions, and second to be the best team possible.
God has been helping me identify my temptations over time. In the early 90's, I memorized Galatians 1:10:
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
I realized that my identity in Christ impacted how I responded to these temptations. When Jesus was tempted, He responded with scripture, and I should too.
I encourage you to identify your primary and secondary temptation, and find scripture that will counteract those temptations.
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