1. "If I go to church, then I am a Christian."
You have been at a church as long as you can remember, but you just don’t feel like you have gotten connected to God; it doesn't seem real. You know the Sunday school answers and you could repeat the books of the bible. There's a lie: that just because you go to church means you are saved. The actions mean little to God, it's about your heart condition. God wants all of you, not just your Sunday morning attendance.
"You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!" James 2:19
2. "I am not beautiful."
In a society so filled with vanity, it is very hard not to compare yourself to those around you. Society has skewed the face of beauty in such a way that being fully clothed is no longer normal, but rather prude. When the media shows us women who are tucked and nipped by a computer to display the image of perfection it is hard to feel as though we are beautiful. The truth of the matter is that God created us, and we are made in his image. Stop looking for outward signs of beauty - work on the inward beauty. At the end of the day, your looks fade. However, the heart doesn't and the Creator wants to know your heart.
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." 1 Peter 3:3-4
3. "I am defined by my relationship status."
At a Christian college, the culture of marriage is a little more prevalent, however in all of society the idea of “#relationshipgoals” has gotten out of proportion. Society subtly tells us that unless you have a boyfriend, or fiancé or husband, you are not worth much as a woman. The Bible tells that we need nothing more than God. He is sufficient.
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
4. "I am too messed up for God."
Often in life, it is easy to see the goodness and power of a perfect God and become intimidated; part of that intimidation is respect for an all-Holy God. The issue comes when we are not willing to go back to God because we believe He no longer loves us. Scripture tells us that we have a purpose. God used messed up people to get some amazing things done for His glory - ultimately, people who look like they don't have it all together bring God glory by doing his work, showing just how big God is.
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully." Romans 12:6-8
5. "I can never be good enough."
We climb this mountain of Christian concepts - we have be this person, act this certain way, etc. The minute you have the four Bible studies a week down, and have prayed and changed the way you dress, your prayer leader comments on your negativity and language choice. It can feel cumbersome and never ending. God tells us that we may never be "good enough," but God wants us - as we are - to love Him and to have a relationship with Him. Over time, that relationship will give you the strength to turn away from sin. The point of the gospel is to show the hope we have - that even though we may not be good enough, but our God covers it for us.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23
6. "I am alone."
That pit in your stomach at 2AM when no one is around to tell you that you are loved and the feeling when all you want is someone to hug you because you feel empty inside - it can be overwhelming. God is neither for loneliness nor is he for anxiety. God's attributes oppose fear, loneliness, and anxiety; He is a father who enjoys community with his creation. Remember that you are never alone.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
7. "My circumstances defines me."
Whatever background you come from, we all have scars and sometimes they can define us more than our identity in Christ. It can be hard to separate ourselves, our identity from our childhood, where God has put us, or our financial situations. In any situation God can gain glory and we can be doers of the word. Do not allow your circumstance to define you - allow the gospel to define your circumstances.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not do you harm, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
8. "All I need to do is be good and act nice."
Maybe you have it all together, you feel guilty inside. In response, you followed them to create a devout kind of religion, assuming that it would make you would be a better Christian. No one is good enough, stop trying to earn a gift that is free.
"As it is written: 'There is none righteous, no, not one.'" Romans 3:10
9. "People around me have it all together."
The pastor’s wife always looks nice, acts nice, and has her life together." It can feel like everyone around you is judging you hardcore because you are not nearly as holy as they are. No one person is perfect. Have some confidence in yourself - you are a child of God almighty.
"If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.” Galatians 6:3–5
10. "I am not worthy of love."
In certain seasons of life, humans go through a stage of self contempt. Maybe you messed up a little more than usual, maybe you just are not progressing at the speed you would like to in your faith. Whatever the reason, you feel unlovable. However, God says differently.
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved." Ephesians 2:4-5
God so loved us that He paid the price. You were created by a wonderful God who wants nothing more from you than to let Him in. You are made in God's image - that is more than enough reason to feel loved.
