Before I met Jesus, I suffered from an inferiority complex. Because of my inferiority complex, I was afraid of meeting people. An "inferiority complex' is a belief that you are less worthy or important than other people. Inferiority complex is derived from a sense of inferiority. A sense of inferiority creates an image of inferior self. Inferiority complex made me shrink down to less. Inferiority complex kept me away from dreaming beautiful dreams. Inferiority complex made me into a fatalist. And to such a person as me, an opportunity came for me to overcome that sense of inferiority. I met Jesus. As I met Jesus, an amazing transformation took place in my life.
Everyone has some sense of inferiority. No matter how excellent a person may seem, he or she wrestles with one's inner sense of inferiority. That inferiority complex torments us like a monster. We must overcome our sense of inferiority. We must examine our thoughts often so that a sense of inferiority doesn't trouble us. The way to put the inferiority complex into a good use is to make it an opportunity for your growth. After encountering Jesus, I was able to overcome my inferiority complex. All the more, I have used my sense of inferiority as an opportunity for my growth. After encountering Jesus, I have learned how to overcome that inferiority complex. I would like to call the four wisdom pillars of overcoming a sense of inferiority.
The first pillar is called "a sense of belonging.' A person belongs to someone and is influenced by the community of his belonging. He who belongs to the devil is influenced by the devil, and he who belongs to God is influenced by God. I have become a child of God by faith in Jesus (John 1:12). Since that day, I have recognized that I belong to God the Father. Those who belong to God receive God's care, provision, and protection as His children. Those who belong to God cannot be treated carelessly.
The second pillar is "a sense of pride.' A sense of pride is closely related with value. Our sense of pride changes according to how much we value ourselves. Value and cost are related with one another. When we purchase something, we determine the value of the merchandise depending on its cost. When we evaluate a house, we also determine its value according its cost. After encountering Jesus, I have realized that Jesus paid the payment for my salvation with His own blood. Because of God's love for us, He gave away His one and only Son, Jesus. In that sense, our worth is Jesus. We are as valuable as the sacrifice of Jesus. Most of all, we are not a commodity. We are the masterpiece of God. A commodity can be compared, and when compared with a better product, its value can be diminished. However, a masterpiece cannot be an object of comparison. Because of its uniqueness and rarity, it has an eternal value.
The third pillar is "a sense of confidence.' A sense of confidence is related with ability. A sense of confidence is related with our competence and capacity. Apostle Paul confessed, "I can do all this through him who gives me strength" (Phil. 4:13). God pours out His power on us through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of wisdom and understanding. He is the Spirit of counsel and talent. He is the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2). Most of all, the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth and intelligence. My confidence was gained as I relied more on the Holy Spirit and learned from Him. I have been growing continuously through lifelong learning. Through studying and learning, I have learned the way to allow Jesus to capture all my thoughts. All things begin with our thoughts. An inferiority complex is derived from a sense of inferiority. No one can make us feel inferior if we don't consider ourselves to be inferior. Just as Apostle Paul did, if we could believe that we can do all things through Him who gives us strength, then we will be able to do all things.
The fourth pillar is "a sense of purpose.' We were not born into this world by chance. We were born with purpose. God has sent us to this world to accomplish something. We were born into this world entrusted with God-given tasks. In order to complete the tasks, God has given each of us talents and gifts. Through our talents and gifts, we have been called to bless others and become a channel of God's blessings. We are happy and feel worthwhile when we serve others according to our talents and gifts. No child of God is inferior. We are all valuable beings. You are worthy in God's eyes. May you be victorious with a healthy sense of pride in the Lord.
Reverend Joshua Choon-Min Kang is the senior pastor of New Life Vision Church, located in Los Angeles. This is one of the weekly letters he writes to his congregation. For the original, visit www.nlvc.org.
