In our current society, there is a passion for devotion to self. An abundance of ways for us to discover who we are is at are fingertips, all over the internet in articles, videos and books. The inspiring cry of “you are enough” pervades our minds and turns us inward to find the perfection an “unhealthy” society has hidden away. Yet, the idea that if we just get to know ourselves, our problems will be solved, is distinctly un-Christian.

It is clear society is unhealthy, but this is due to sin.

I find it unconvincing that the distinct quality of unhealthy is applicable to a society convincing people they aren’t perfect the way they are. Specifically, that the society is unhealthy because they think this. As Christians, it should be obvious that we are not enough, nor perfect, the way we are because we wouldn’t have a need for Jesus if that were true.

I am not advocating for self-deprecation. Last month I encouraged self-evaluation; this is much like that. Not because I want to reiterate this idea, but because we live in a secular culture that encourages an absurd amount of self-love. If we, as Christian women, choose to participate in this our eyes will be taken off of Jesus and land on ourselves. Ultimately, this will lead to great dissatisfaction in a life of trying to convince yourself of something you are not. Trust me, I know because I have lived it.

I am not enough, I am not perfect, and neither are you. This is more than okay because we have a savior who is perfect! If you have been caught in this trap of self-love, I encourage you to repent of it and put your eyes back on Jesus. You will find a freedom far greater in surrendering to the one who gives us strength than trying to run on your own.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2, English Standard Version)

Fix Your Gaze