The Danger of Believing in Yourself as a Christian

Why Believing in Yourself is Dangerous

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Believe in yourself”? It's a common term used in self-help books, motivational speeches, and even in pop culture. The message behind this phrase is that we should trust ourselves, our abilities, and our instincts to achieve our goals and dreams.

However, as Christians, we need to be careful about embracing this idea of believing in ourselves. Why? Because it can lead us down a dangerous path of pride and self-reliance.

What is Pride?

Pride is a sin that is often mentioned in the Bible. It's defined as an excessive focus on oneself, one's achievements, and one's abilities. Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

When we believe in ourselves, we are essentially saying that we don't need God's help to accomplish our goals. We rely on our own strength, abilities, and wisdom to get us where we want to go. This attitude is the exact opposite of what God desires for us.

The Danger of Self-Reliance

Self-reliance is another danger of believing in ourselves. When we rely solely on ourselves, we limit the power of God in our lives. We forget that God is the one who gives us the strength, wisdom, and abilities we need to accomplish our goals.

Jesus said in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” We can't accomplish anything without the help of God.

Our Inherent Sinfulness

Believing in ourselves also ignores the fact that we are inherently sinful creatures. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Our sinful nature makes it impossible for us to rely on ourselves completely.

When we try to accomplish things on our own, we are susceptible to making mistakes, falling into sin, and ultimately failing. But when we rely on God's strength and guidance, we can avoid these pitfalls and achieve success that glorifies Him.

Trusting in God

So, what should we do instead of believing in ourselves? We should trust in God and His plan for our lives. We need to seek His guidance and wisdom in all that we do.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” When we trust in God and submit to His will, He will guide us down the path that leads to success and fulfillment.

Conclusion

Believing in ourselves may sound empowering and motivating, but as Christians, we need to be careful about embracing this idea. Instead, we should trust in God, rely on His strength, and submit to His plan for our lives.

Remember, pride and self-reliance are dangerous attitudes that can lead us away from God and His will for our lives. Let's strive to humble ourselves before Him, seek His wisdom, and trust in His unlimited power.