Personal Limitations and Pride: Breaking Free from Insecurity
“The number one addiction in the world right now is the addiction to other people’s opinions of us.” — Ed Mylette
Maybe you’re like me and want things to be black or white—good or bad, concrete, understandable, predictable. But, like you, I have limitations. I’ve experienced failures, missed opportunities, moments of doubt and fear. I, too, have insecurities. Most of the time, I carry confidence, yet there are times I don’t. I am complex. I am not all good. I am not all bad. And neither are you.
However, without the bravery of honesty—the ability to look deep within ourselves and embrace the good, the bad, and the ugly—we will tend to use success, status, position, personal empowerment, leadership, or accolades as a smokescreen for our insecurities. Last week, we explored how insecurities cause us to hide—not just from others, but from ourselves. Our achievements can serve as distractions, deceiving us so that we avoid looking beneath the surface of our lives.
The Hidden Trap of Insecurity
When we find ourselves under pressure, as Pastor Russ illustrates through the life of King Saul, our insecurities will inevitably surface. How do we know? Have you found yourself people-pleasing—constantly worrying about who supports you, who believes in you, who is on your side? Have you ever felt abandoned when others held a different opinion, rejected your ideas, or prioritized time with someone else instead of you?
Fear and doubt are universal experiences. Blaming others for our circumstances and playing the victim is a familiar pattern when we confront our personal limitations. But insecurity is a trap—one that leads to foolishness instead of wisdom, defeat instead of victory, and haste instead of assurance. It breeds fear, strife, paranoia, and a skewed perspective on reality.
The Price of Insecurity
Beyond emotional turmoil, insecurity robs us of something invaluable—our focus. Time moves quickly, and the older we get, the more aware we become of how fleeting life truly is. Insecurity steals more than just joy; it distracts us from what truly matters. Instead of wasting our moments in comparison, worry, or overthinking, why not spend them with loved ones? Engaging with the world around us, soaking in nature, and living intentionally?
The Connection Between Insecurity and Pride
Insecurity and pride are two sides of the same coin. Both have one root—self. Have you noticed that they are centered on self-absorption? Ego inflates us, failure deflates us. Pride props us up, while insecurity knocks us down. It’s an emotional roller coaster. As C.S. Lewis wisely said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less.”
How do you respond to failure? Do you worry about your image and what others think, or do you face your mistakes, address the hard truths within yourself, and make the necessary course corrections? Failure often reveals the true condition of our souls.
Confidence: A Matter of Faith
As the author reminds us, “Confidence is a faith issue. It’s just about where we place it.” When we place faith in negative predictions about the future, we experience fear. When we place faith solely in ourselves, we encounter limitations, insecurity, or even narcissism. When we dwell too much on the past, we spiral into shame and regret. But when we place faith in an all-powerful God who loves us and has a wonderful future in store, the result is joyful confidence.
Living with Purpose
The problem isn’t caring about how well we do something or how others perceive us—the problem is when these concerns control us. Instead of being driven by insecurity or pride, let’s focus on enjoying life, cherishing people, embracing nature, and serving others.
Take a moment to reflect: How can you serve others today? How can you live with purpose in your current situation? Whether in your job, relationships, or personal life, shift your mindset to recognize that you are called to fulfill a greater purpose. Let go of the weight of insecurity and pride, and step boldly into the life you were meant to live.
Blog Series is based on book by Russ Moore (2024), Confidence: Destroy Insecurity. Discover Freedom.
Check out the full series!
This post is just one of the Confidence: Destroy Insecurity. Discover Freedom Series. Be sure to check out my in-depth posts for the whole series:
- Snares of Insecurity and Zero-Sum Thinking
- Jealousy, Shame, and Emotional Baggage
- Personal Limitations and Pride
- Identity and Worth (stay tuned; coming soon!)
- Who is in the Mirror? Envisioning the Future Self (stay tuned; coming soon!)
- The Importance of Integrity (stay tuned; coming soon!)
- Pride and Humility (stay tuned; coming soon!)
- Replacing Fear with Courage (stay tuned; coming soon!)
- Stretching our Capacity (stay tuned; coming soon!)
- Developing Competence (stay tuned; coming soon!)
- Our Presentation (stay tuned; coming soon!)
- Handling Hardships (stay tuned; coming soon!)