As a child, I was taught/observed that expressing feeling good about our achievements or success is 'bragging' and 'impolite'. We must be humble and refuse 'praises' because that will make us proud. Often the parents would deny or seem to refuse compliments for their children as they thought those compliments will make them arrogant and ungrateful.
I seldom hear any compliments from my parents themselves, quite rarely, my dad would say well done or 'clever girl' but I don't really remember hearing these remarks often. I do know that they love me to bits and that they are very proud of me but they just don't think it's good to express it.
When I became a Christian, I was surrounded with people of faith and encouragements. They see me as God sees me, they reminded me of who I really am and who God has made me to be. These truths gradually set me free from low self esteem and insecurity about myself. It is not surprising that many men and women of God deny their talents and gifting by agreeing with the lies of the enemies as they do not truly know and appreciate who they are. We are God's sons and daughters! We are the very children of the most High God. If we really believe what God says about us that we are wonderfully and fearfully made, what power does the lie of the enemy has towards us? Knowing our true identity releases us into our destiny!
When I first came to King's Church, I heard Richard preaching one day and he was asking us to repeat after him, "I am amazing!" These three words I have never repeated and probably never thought about myself suddenly broke something in my mindset! It was so powerful!
It was for the very first time I 'see' through the revelation of the Spirit of God that I am indeed amazing! Why? Not because of what I have done or achieved, not at all! It is because I am clothed with Christ. If I have the power of resurrection living in me, how dare I think or call myself insufficient or unworthy?
You see, having confidence in ourselves is not being proud or arrogant. I need to know who I am, to appreciate the gifting and talents that God has placed within me before I can use them to bless others. "Pai she" is so often heard from my culture that it has unknowingly seeped into the mindsets of many believers, leading them to believe and achieve less than what God has for them.
This is just an example of living counter culturally is important to continue to living as God called out and sent people in this world. We acknowledge our culture, we appreciate them but at the same time not allowing it to become the hindrance to the work of God by establishing real truth according to His word.
Trying to feel better by belittling the power of the Holy Spirit that is in us does not bring glory to God. Living a bold, humble (acknowledging who God is and who we truly are) and courageous life do.
We gotta let the light shine!
This is who we truly are :)
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