Self Judgement
Different from self reflection.
I think for most people, the default setting when thinking about one’s self is of judgement. We are quick to feel guilt and shame. When these two feelings dominate, healthy self-love is impossible.
So, what is the solution?
Give the guilt and shame to God. The following passage is an offer to do just that.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)
I know. Easier said than done. Life is a tough place. It involves labor and worry. It is full of bumps and bruises received and given. And what we send and receive in the way of insults and compliments, along with any physical interactions, overtime marinate our self images. This often toxic brew seeps into our consciousness to affect our moods. Over time we can dredge up the past and come to more concrete conclusions about who we are and will, therefore we believe, always be. Discouragement turns into depression.
Sometimes, rather than being too hard on ourselves, we compensate by not being hard enough and excuse our behavior by blaming circumstances or others. We decide we deserve to have that second ice cream or stiff drink, after all, it’s been a hard day.
Our problem with all these personal judgements is we are not capable of seeing ourselves accurately. Judgement is necessary, but it needs to come from a just and righteous source outside you and me — a source we cannot bribe or manipulate. A source that knows all the facts better than we do.
It’s time to seriously consider Jesus’s offer above.
