False SelfUzorak

What Is The False Self?

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

In a time where authenticity is perhaps the trait we value most, it is fascinating to consider just 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 that shields you from 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? It is tragically simple: We are afraid.

Fear, the compulsive desire to project the perfect image, constantly drives us away from who we truly are. This causes a false self to be born. The false self is the identity born in each of us out of fear and not love.

However, even in this web of insecurities, we are not without hope. The Bible teaches us that God is love, and that 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 approval 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 project?

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.