Some of you may have some memory of this, but several years ago I had a trial run on a blog. I hadn’t given it much thought on what I wanted it to be, and it was, therefore, awful and messy.
However, there were a few good posts from it that I kept. This was one of them.
After a phone call with a good friend a few nights ago, I’ve been giving a lot of thought to core lies. For those who are unfamiliar with the concept of a core lie, allow me to fill you in briefly.
A core lie is something that you tell yourself that you know is not true, but you still allow it to eat away at you and cause you to doubt yourself and your identity in Christ. These lies come from Satan alone, therefore the only way to combat them is through faith.
Through these thoughts, I’ve narrowed down the voices in my head to two core lies:
- “You are not good enough.”
This is a pretty common core lie, but it still is a very big insecurity that I have. I have this constant fear of being replaced with someone funnier, prettier, quieter, or all in all more qualified. Whether it be in a romantic relationship, a friendship, school, work, or even walking from class to class, I am constantly wondering, What if I’m not good enough? It sounds ridiculous when I talk about it, but oftentimes I let this fear consume me, and it hinders me from becoming the young lady God wants me to be.
- “You are only liked for what you can do for others, not for who you are.”
This also sounds ridiculous when expressed, but I still allow this fear to consume me. I am generally a very cheerful, positive, and funny person, filled with energy and passion.
For those who do not know, I have ADHD, so the energy is something that I, to an extent, can not control. I love being this way, and I love it when I have the opportunity to brighten someone’s day or make them laugh.
However, sometimes I wonder: Do people actually like me for me, or do they only wish to be around me because I make them laugh or I have a lot of energy? I love a good time, laughing and being a light for Christ.
But these things are only a part of who I am, and often times I feel the rest of me is overlooked. I am an extremely deep person- I crave depth, to know others completely, and I crave to be known, completely. And there are going to be days when I am not joyful, and I do not have the energy that so many people have grown to look forward to.
I often ask, Am I still loved without those characteristics? And sometimes, these insecurities get out of control. If I sit down at a table of friends and am not greeted, I immediately begin to wonder what is wrong with me. Even if I know my friends mean absolutely no harm and I know it was merely a slip, I will still spend the rest of the day wondering what made me invisible.
These core lies are a very serious thing that not only I struggle with, but something we all do, no matter our race, age, or religion. Through my thinking about these lies and through my fellowship with other believers, I’ve begun brainstorming ways on how to combat these lies, these tricks of the Devil, and I would love to share them with you.
Step 1: Figure out your core lie(s).
You can’t combat something if you don’t know what it is. The first step is determining what lies you are allowing to dominate your thoughts and actions. Spend some time in solitude. Think through your insecurities and why you feel that way. It’s okay for your core lie to be vague; it will likely encompass many things. Don’t be ashamed of your core lie(s). They do not define you; only God can do that.
Step 2: Talk about it.
No, I’m not saying go up to everyone you know and share your lie. Some people do not deserve to now you in that way.
Instead, go to a trusted friend or mentor and be open about what you’re struggling with. Chances are, they’re going through something very similar, and you can find encouragement in that someone else knows your pain.
Once you are open with that person, you are giving them the ability to come alongside you and encourage you, just as your act of opening up is an encouragement to them. Let the Lord work through others.
Step 3: Prepare for battle.
One does not simply walk into Mordor, if you will. (Sorry, I just couldn’t help myself.) First, you need to suit up. Go to the scriptures. Spend time in prayer.
Find out what God has to say about your core lies. Let His words build you up and encourage you. Find His truth to deflate those lies.
God did not intend for his people to hate themselves. He wants us to love ourselves and one another, just as He loves us. Equip yourself with the full armor of God, and use His word to combat the fiery arrows of the Devil.
Don’t let your core lies define you or drag you under. Be confident in who you are in Christ. His truth will outlast any temptations of the Devil.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the good news so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the Devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:13-17
What might your core lie be?
What steps can you take to surround yourself with the truth?
Actually Adulting 