Confidence has an illusive quality to it. It can be deceptive, shallow, and self-serving, or it can be genuine, considerate, and generous. In today's emotional economy it is often based on looks, success, status, education, and wealth. Confidence seems to center around what I have accomplished, my current abilities, and how they compare to my peer's. All too frequently, confidence is the mask we put on our pride.
Confidence tells you that you have value, but pride assures you that your value is greater than another's. Confidence is born through the use of your gifts, talents, and abilities, but pride tells you that you should be the one to get all of the glory. Confidence allows you to walk into a crowded room assured that you are equal to everyone in that room, but pride whispers that you are better (and lesser) than others. Confidence tells you that your accomplishments and abilities are valuable and useful to God, but pride screams your success is up to you; you make things happen for yourself.
Pride is a constant battle in life. It is the reason we get offended, want to be right in an argument (even when it means someone we love has to be wrong), have to prove ourselves to the world, and compare ourselves to others at every turn. I have come to recognize pride in new ways, in behaviors and motives I never would have associated with pride in my youth. I have learned pride is in both an elevated opinion of yourself, but also in an inferior opinion of yourself. Who am I to belittle God's creation?
My pride still surfaces now and again. It wont be ignored. It presses me for a response, a reaction. Sometimes it takes only moments for me to recognize it. Sometimes I have to fight with it for hours or rarely, if I am really passionate about something, DAYS. I have to look within myself, to the root of that pride, and I have to cover it in humility. After that inner battle: peace.
Genuine confidence, not one that is backed by comparisons, or an elevated self-image, is a challenge for me. When I meet a woman with that unique combination of confidence and humility it thrills my soul. For me, she stands out in any crowd and even in a congregation of believers. God's light illuminates her in such a way that you don't see her worldly qualities, you see what God is doing through her and it is beautiful.
God equips the willing and thankfully, He can use us as He develops these qualities within us. But why do some women develop these qualities early in life while others never do? How do I invite God in to make these changes within me? Prayer, clearly, is an invitation for God to work in our lives and in our hearts. His Word is full of wisdom for our lives today. Removing pride, the great barrier, is key. Developing and using your gifts and abilities goes a long way toward building Christ-centered confidence, as long as you allow Him the glory and recognize He is your source.
I tend to look at questions like these over time. God reveals things in layers sometimes, and I think perseverance is key in character development. I want to uncover key factors in developing genuine confidence as I strive toward living a more authentic life. I would love input: How has God been at work in your life? Where have you witnessed genuine, humble confidence? How are you working with God to develop these characteristics in your life? Any thoughts?
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