The Power of Redeemed IdentityExemplo

Day 3 – Lies We Believe: the Original Identity Theft

The chief tactic that the enemy of our souls uses to discourage, derail, and defeat us is UNTRUTH – in other words, lies that we believe…about God, His nature, how he sees us, and more. Jesus said this about Satan in John 8:44(b) -

He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. - NIV

Believing lies about ourselves will block - or at the very least dilute - our ability to walk out God’s Word in our daily lives. This in turn can leave us vulnerable to sickness, depression, addiction, and more! Does that sound like you in any way, dear reader? Then don’t beat yourself up, get ready to be encouraged!

Some common causes of low self-esteem in men:

·Being told you would never amount to anything, or that you were “unplanned” (a mistake)

·Direct abuse – verbal, physical, sexual, by a peer or adult

·Unstable home environment (domestic violence, substance abuse, or neglect)

·Bullying of various types – home, school, neighborhood

·Being in the Foster Care system for years

Unless we get help, the enemy will use our negative experiences to create an inner image that hinders us in our relationships with God, self, and others. Below are just some of the negative beliefs that must be broken off. If you believe that you are -

·“Less than” - defective/inadequate/inferior

·Stupid/slow - labeling in schools can make this belief worse

·“Mom and Dad never amounted to much; neither will I”

·Lacking “enough” male-ness (identity insecurity)

…and the list goes on and on. Remember that the enemy is “a liar and the father of lies” – John 8:44.

Possibly you have now identified some distortions concerning your worth and your identity. Here are some Action Steps you can take today –

·Renounce every lie that you can identify. Ask the Holy Spirit’s help to reveal specifics to you.

·Instill God’s Truth in your mind - look up videos and verses online concerning “Who I Am In Christ”, and “God’s Unconditional Love”. Write some verses out on an index card or put them on your smart device. Review frequently. Undoing a lifetime of lies takes time and effort — you are WORTH it!

·Engage the help of an experienced Mens’ Coach to help you keep on track and stay accountable.

Romans 12:2 tells us how to transform toxic thinking into Godly thinking:

2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. - NIV

Prayer:

“Lord, help me to renew my mind with Your Holy Word, to line up my thinking with You. Help me to identify specific lies that I have believed about myself. I turn from believing them, and renounce them [name them specifically]. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”