5 ways to replace the lies we believe with truth. Our beliefs influence our attitudes, choices, behavior, expectations, and the stories we tell our self. So, let’s replace the lies we believe with truth. God’s truth.
For years I tried to appear like Mary Poppins. “Practically perfect in every way.”
Which was impossible, as humans are far from perfect.
But still I tried.
Early in life I thought that if I were perfect than people would not get mad at me. Nor would I make mistakes. I wouldn’t disappoint others, or myself. And best of all, God and others would love me.
Where I picked up this belief that would shape my life and actions for so many years, I am not sure. I don’t remember my parents telling me this directly.
I had the desire to please others and my parents.Somehow, I reasoned that perfect people would be more loved. And their life would be easier.
Growing up with a mother who had conditional love, in a legalistic church, and having good girl inclinations, I am sure promoted my internal beliefs even more.
The point is, I thought that if I was practically perfect, people who mattered would love me. And ultimately God would love me.
This belief would be something I would be striving to accomplish for years.
This is a guest post. Please Join me at Living By Design Ministries and learn 5 ways to replace lies with God’s truth.
Next week I will return to my series on shame and discuss Shame Versus Guilt: What’s the Big Deal? Shame and guilt are often lumped together, but they are different in very significant ways.
Thanks for stopping by. Keep remembering what’s important.
Theresa
Download a free guided exercise to help you heal from shame
Download a free PDF freebie, “What to Do When You Are Feeling Shame: A Guided Exercise.” It will walk you through some practical exercises to deal with shame. Ending with how to avoid feeling shame in the future. My passion is to see you living shame-free; in glorious freedom. “What to Do When You Are Feeling Shame: A Guided Exercise” can help you step towards that freedom by breaking the lies of shame you believe and replacing those lies with the truth.
From Shame to Grace: How to Erase Shame From our Identities, a 12-part series. – Other posts in this series on shame include:
We Are Not Meant to Live in Shame
There is No Shame in Feeling Shame
How the Lies of Shame Cause Us to Think We Are the Defective Ones
Environments Where Shame Thrives
The Symptoms of Shame and the 4 Ways It Makes You Feel
12 Ways That Misinterpreting Events Causes Shame
Shame Versus Guilt: What’s the Big Difference
Combat Shame By Knowing Your True Identity
Why We Shame Ourselves and Others: 6 Eye Opening Reasons
Shame: Recognize It, Heal From It, and Walk in Freedom
What If Shame Has a Bigger Purpose Than Us?
Spiritual Shame: What It is and How to Conquer It
Join the discussion: How do you replace the lies of the world with God’s truth?
May link up at Kelly Balarie (#purposeful faith), Crystal Storms (#HeartEncouragement), Maree Dee (#Grace & Truth), Anita Ojeda (#inspirememonday), InstaEncouagements ((IE Link-Up), and Mary Geison (#tellhisstory).
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This is a great post, Theresa! Striving to be perfect is something I struggled with for years too – thinking that everything in life would work out if only I could be good enough, and that it all depended on my effort. It’s a tiring way to live, and such a relief to let go of those lies and trust in the truth of God’s grace!
It is tiring to live that way. I think a turning moment came for me when I heard another person sharing with me that only if they could be perfect then everything in their life would go smoothly. I heard the lie coming from their mouth and it showed the falsehood of my thinking. And there I was telling them that no matter how they acted, life would never be smooth. As well as telling myself.
Wonderful post, Theresa. I have been thinking about perfectionism lately too. I haven’t quite gotten my thought together but I think it stems from fear. Heading over to read the rest of th epost.
Yes, Laurie, I think fear is a big part. We want people to think well of us. And trying to control how others will view us or respond to us. If I am practically perfect, than no on should get mad at me, or life will go smoothly, or God will bless me can be part of the thinking.
Our thoughts can often be filled with lies. Learning how to replace the Worlds lies with God’s truth is critical! It was great finding you in the Grace and Truth Link-Up
So true, Tiffany. It is critical. Because both lies and truth affect every area of our lives.
Heading over, Theresa! Can’t wait to read the rest!
Hi Beth, Thanks for visiting.
I really have to work on my inner dialogue, especially of late. Thanks for this encouragement to keep my beliefs in line with truth, not lies.
Oh Lisa, I thought this paired well with your current article on complaining. I am needing both of these this week. Replacing lies with truth and not complaining.
That simple statement: God delights in me. So powerful – and so precious. And one that even now I have hard time embracing/believing. Such practical steps here. I can relate in so many ways to your “old way of thinking” – I know I can benefit from applying these truths more in my life today!
It is hard to believe when our emotions and thoughts are telling us different. I am learning to remember and rely on the truth, not my thoughts and emotions. Small steps. We can do this.