You Are Not That Special: Embracing Humility and Finding True Identity in Christ

You Are Not That Special

In today's world, where self-esteem and self-importance are often emphasized, it can be easy to believe that we are special and unique in every way. However, the truth is that we are not as special as we may think. This may sound harsh, but it is actually a liberating and humbling reality.

The Provocative Professor

During my time in seminary, I had a professor who had a reputation for humbling first-year students. He was provocative and polarizing, known for challenging our preconceived notions of self-importance. While some saw him as arrogant, others were grateful for the awakening he provided.

His words were like wounds, but wounds from a friend. He made us question our inflated sense of self and forced us to confront the reality that we were not as special as we believed. It was disorienting at first, but ultimately transformative.

A Biblical Perspective

When we look to the Bible, we find that it also challenges our notions of self-importance. In Romans 12:3, the apostle Paul writes, "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned."

Paul reminds us that we should have a sober judgment of ourselves. We are not to think too highly of ourselves, but rather recognize that our worth comes from God's grace and the measure of faith He has assigned to us. Our value is not found in our accomplishments or what the world considers special, but in our relationship with God.

Embracing Humility

Embracing the truth that we are not that special frees us from the pressure to constantly prove ourselves or seek validation from others. It allows us to shift our focus from ourselves to God and His purposes. We can humbly recognize that we are part of a bigger story, playing our unique role in God's grand plan.

1. Recognizing Our Need for God

When we understand that we are not that special, we acknowledge our dependency on God. We recognize that we cannot rely on our own strength or abilities to navigate life's challenges. Instead, we surrender to God and trust in His guidance and provision.

As 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 need to abide in Him and rely on His strength to bear fruit and live out our purpose.

2. Serving Others with Humility

When we let go of our need to be special, we can focus on serving others with humility. Jesus set the perfect example of humility when He washed His disciples' feet (John 13:1-17). He showed us that true greatness is found in serving others, not in seeking recognition or exaltation.

Philippians 2:3-4 encourages us to "do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." By putting others before ourselves, we reflect the selfless love of Christ.

3. Finding True Identity in Christ

When we realize that our worth does not depend on being special, we can find our true identity in Christ. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Our value and purpose come from being God's beloved children. We are created for good works that He has prepared for us. Our significance lies in fulfilling His purposes and bringing glory to His name, not in seeking personal accolades or worldly recognition.

Conclusion

Embracing the truth that we are not that special is not meant to diminish our worth or discourage us. Instead, it invites us to find our true significance in our relationship with God and His purposes. We are part of a grand story, playing our unique role in His kingdom.

So, let us humbly recognize our need for God, serve others with humility, and find our true identity in Christ. In doing so, we will experience the freedom and joy that comes from embracing the reality that we are not that special, but we are deeply loved and valued by our Creator.