False Selfنموونە

What is "The False Self"?

What part of yourself are you afraid to look at in God’s presence?

In a time when authenticity is the trait we value most, it is fascinating to consider how many masks we wear. You may walk into work and cover your insecurities with a mask of false confidence. Maybe you use cynicism as a mask to cover your fear of being wrong.

With each new environment, we create a false identity. We do not see ourselves as enough, so we compromise the image of God in us to fit the needs of the moment.

But why do we pamper the surface level of our identity only to neglect the deepest parts of our being? The simple answer is fear.

It’s a story as old as time. We see it play out again and again in the people of Israel, who – out of fear – repeatedly traded their God-given identity to seek the security of being like other nations. In this Lumo clip, Ezra is reflecting on the depths to which this tendency has brought God’s chosen people.

The Israelites were God’s beloved people. Yet they chose false identities over the one God wanted to give them. Eventually, their sin led them to such an unrecognizable state that the people who were meant to be a nation of priests couldn’t even stand in God’s presence.

Can you relate to Israel’s struggle with their identity?

Our false selves are born out of fear, not love. Yet even when fear drives us to the point that we can’t recognize ourselves, God still knows us, and we are not without hope.

God is love, and His perfect love casts out all fear.

Our truest self is simply being loved by God, who made us in His image. His grace, when we accept it, wipes the haze from our tired eyes so we can begin to see ourselves as He does.

The false self says, “I must keep up with appearances.”

God says, “Your identity is in Me.”

The false self says, “Fear the disapproval of others.”

God says, “Fear and honor Me.”

The false self says, “You are worthless.”

God says, “You are My beloved.”

Reflection:

How big is the gap between the person you show to others and your truest self? What fears are actively influencing the image you are projecting?

Prayer:

God, thank You for Your unconditional love. Give me eyes to see the parts of me I have been too afraid to face. Today, I choose to trust in You alone. Amen.