Insignificance manifests in many ways, but often speaks the opposite of its definition. It looks inward and says, “Why not me? I must not be worthy or good enough?” and puts on a mask, a bravado if you will.
It covers the insecurity with an “I can, I am” attitude and says, “Look at me.” It runs the race for the most attention, the biggest crowd, the greatest applause. It morphs the inner record of “I don’t matter” to the outer display of “get me to the top,” and often pushes others aside to get its way.
It’s the competitor who’s not just concerned about doing their best job, but destroying the competition and rubbing their faces in the dirt.
It’s the organizer who steals another’s ideas and claims them as their own.
It’s the debater who can’t lose, even though they know they’re wrong, and throws down whatever will hurt.
But don’t be fooled. This selfishness, this self-promotion is just a mask.
It’s still wrong, but it points to something deeper. Oftentimes when we see someone running the rat race aiming for the greatest prize, ready to push anyone and everyone out of their way we assume they’re shallow, selfish, heartless. But what would we see if we pulled back the layers?
Perhaps, fear? Insecurity? A life built on lies, held in bondage?
The attitudes of insignificance we walk around in are just mask, a cover to hide what we fear may be true…that we’re worthless. We don’t know how to handle the lies, we believe they are true, but something deep inside us says, “No!” And that little voice, no matter how shaky, is right.
But instead of leaning into the Truth and opening up the Word to see who we really are, we turn to our own resources.
Seeing these attitudes requires two responses from us:
Do we recognize this attitude in ourselves?
When we recognize this attitude in another it should move us to compassion. Why?
Because we don’t know the full story.
What if the person you’re internally berating because of their selfishness and self-promotion was the kid who was told they’d never amount to anything, they’re worthless, and no one cares? And they’ve spent their whole life trying to prove the liar (and themselves) they’re wrong.
Should we excuse their sin? No, but even Jesus had compassion for sinners.
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Right now, I’m in the middle of a 31 day series on significance. Over the next few days, we’re looking at the different attitudes insignificance takes. Yesterday we looked at bitterness and resentment, tomorrow we’ll take a peek at self-hatred and insecurity.
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Other attitudes of insignificance:
{day 17} Gripping the Millstone – Bitterness & Resentment
{day 19} When the Mirror Spits Back – Insecurity
{day 20} Dressed in Mourning – Despair & Hopelessness
{day 21} Always the Leader – Control & Power Struggles
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Such good stuff, and very brave to make yourself vulnerable on this tough topic of significance. I’ve been here before and thought I subscribed, but I guess not, so I did it today!
Oh wow. This was eye opening. A different perspective.