What Lies Do We Believe About God?

In life, our beliefs about God can significantly impact how we perceive ourselves. However, not all these beliefs are founded on truth, and the lies we accept can lead to a distorted self-perception. Today we are going to explore common misconceptions about God and how they affect our understanding of ourselves.

The Problem: Lies We Believe About God

At the core of our existence lies a desire to understand our purpose and our connection to something or Someone greater than us. However, throughout our lives, we may internalize various lies about God that distort our perception of Him and ourselves. Some of these lies include:

1. God is distant and uninterested in our lives.
2. God only loves us when we are perfect and faultless.
3. God punishes us for our mistakes.
4. God is arbitrary and unpredictable, impulsively dispensing blessings and hardships.

These misconceptions can create a chasm between us and God, leading to feelings of unworthiness, guilt, isolation, detachment, and fear. Moreover, they can shape our self-perception, impacting how we interact with others and the world around us.

When faced with the lies we believe about God and ourselves, many people adopt various approaches in an attempt to find resolution and peace. However, these approaches often fail to address the root issues, leaving us feeling unsatisfied and unfulfilled.

Seeking Validation from External Sources

One common approach is seeking validation from others to fill the void within. We may believe that if we gain approval, admiration, or love from others, it will validate our self-worth. Consequently, we may find ourselves seeking popularity, social media validation, or trying to meet societal expectations in a bid to feel accepted and loved.

While receiving affirmation from others can be gratifying, it is a fleeting form of validation. Relying solely on external validation can lead to a never-ending pursuit of approval, as it depends on the opinions and perceptions of others, which can change over time. Moreover, this approach can lead to a fragile sense of self-worth, as it is based on external factors that are beyond our control and will create in us a false identity.

Another common approach to addressing our self-perception issues is through worldly achievements. We may strive to excel in our careers, academics, or talents, believing that success and recognition will fill the void within our spirit. This pursuit of achievement can become a means to prove our worth to ourselves and others.

However, achievements alone do not provide lasting fulfillment. Once the initial euphoria of success fades, we may find ourselves constantly seeking the next
accolade or accomplishment to maintain our sense of self-worth. This can lead to a cycle of striving and never feeling truly satisfied. This too creates in us a false identity.

For those seeking spiritual peace, adherence to religious rules and rituals may seem like the answer. Believing that God demands perfection, some may attempt to follow religious practices meticulously, hoping to earn God's favor and blessings by making sure the ol' spiritual checkoff list is met with flying colors. Go to church, read your Bible, pray, and do more good than evil at the end of the day.

While religious practices can be a source of comfort and guidance, a legalistic approach to spirituality can create a distance between us and God. It may foster a fear-based relationship with the divine, where we believe we must earn God's love and grace through our works. This can lead to a false identity of shallow, performance-driven faith that lacks a genuine understanding of God's love and mercy.

When confronted with feelings of unworthiness and inadequacy, some individuals may resort to destructive behaviors as a coping mechanism in an attempt to either numb or block out the emotional distress. These behaviors may include substance abuse, self-harm, or engaging in toxic relationships.

Using destructive behaviors as a temporary escape from pain is a debilitating illusion that only exacerbates our self-perception and destroys everything in its path. These actions fail to address the root cause of our struggles and can lead to a downward habitual spiral of emotional and spiritual turmoil.

Despite our best efforts, these approaches often fall short of addressing the real issue – the lies we believe about God and ourselves. Seeking validation from others can be a never-ending pursuit, as it relies on external factors that are beyond our control. Similarly, attempting to be faultless by following religious rules can lead to a superficial relationship with God, devoid of genuine connection and understanding.