False SelfExemplo

The False Self and Missing the Mark

As we’ve seen, when Adam and Eve left the Garden, they left their face-to-face relationship with God. They were separated from the source of life and truth. The result was increasing confusion and corruption.

The Greek word for sin is hamartia, and it means “missing the mark,” like an archer missing the target. Apart from God we consistently miss the mark of who God created us to be. We live as our false selves. We drift further and further away from Him.

C.S. Lewis said, “It does not matter how small the sins are, provided that their cumulative effect is to edge the man away from the light and out into the nothing.”

This would have been humanity’s destiny – but God had a plan to bring us back into relationship with Him. He chose one family out of all the earth to become His chosen people. Through them, He would send a Savior into the world: Jesus Christ.

Watch this Lumo clip to see the promise God made to Abraham.

Jesus is the fulfillment of the promise God made to Abraham. He is the One who never missed the mark. Through Him, God established a new covenant – a new relationship – with us. Within that relationship, we can take off our false selves and become our true selves.

When we feel the desire to be wanted, will we pursue impure relationships, or will we run into the arms of Jesus?

When we yearn for respect, will we put others down or rest in the honor that comes with being called a child of God.

We cannot change ourselves. But we can give our whole selves to God, trusting in and obeying His Word as He does the work of restoring our true selves. Romans 12:2 tells us that He will renew our minds so that we no longer believe the lies of the enemy.

Reflection:

When you are struggling with lies from the enemy about your identity, how can you practically turn to Jesus to be reminded of the truth?

Here are a few steps you can take:

• Memorize Scriptures that affirm your true self in Christ.
• Speak God’s Word back to Him, reminding Him and yourself of His promises to you.
• Practice gratitude for what God has given you.

Prayer:

God, I know You love me. Transform my mind and renew my spirit as I seek to know who I am in You. Amen.