I Said to Myself: Overcoming False Beliefsናሙና

Be Authentic

False Belief: I could never measure up!

● Caution: self-criticism 

If we were to define the term, ‘comparison trap’ we would find that it is the habit of measuring your life against others and is one of the most toxic behaviors we can engage in. The idea that “the grass is greener” is a wild misconception fueled by jealous evaluation, and often leads to stress and anxiety.

In her book, “Comparison Trap”, Sandra Stanley says, “The temptation to compare is as near as your next chat with a friend, trip to the store, or check-in on social media. And whether you come out on top or come up lacking, there is simply no win in comparison. It's a trap.”

In Exodus chapter 3, God draws the attention of a man that was to deliver the Israelites from the hands of the Egyptians and slavery. God makes no mistakes; He is intentional about His plan for us and calls us out to respond. Moses quickly responded to the voice at the burning bush, but he also responded in saying, "Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” (Ex. 3:11).

Why do we do this to ourselves? It’s almost as if we want to see how we measure, to only find ourselves falling short and convincing ourselves that in fact, we don’t measure up. The idea that we need to compare says a lot about being so critical in the first place. 

While some sense of threat may contribute to self-criticism, self-criticism itself is a threat to our emotional and physical well-being. I have observed this to be the case in my clinical work and research in the neuroscience of threat, and it has provided further support regarding this impact.

Our self-criticism is connected to our sinful nature. Outside of Christ, we are subject to our own depravity, yet in Christ we are forgiven, restored, and renewed. Ephesians 1:3 says, "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ."

So, as you can imagine, the impact of self-criticism goes beyond a simple, negative self-talk. It literally changes the structure of our brains and it heavily influences how we problem-solve and critically think in real time. This negates the complete work of Christ on the cross for us. No more self-criticism that bears no truth!

Remember: If you find yourself struggling with self-criticism saying, “I could never measure up”, make this declaration:

In Christ, I have been made a new creation and there is no condemnation as I remain in Him! Romans 8:1; 2 Cor. 5:17 (NLT)