There are several N.T. passages which stress self-examination:

1Cor.11:28, in reference to partaking of the Lord’s Supper, “But let a man examine himself, and so let

him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.”

2Cor.13:5a, “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!”

Gal.6:3-4, “For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let

each one examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself

alone, and not in regard to another.”

N.T. Self-Examination seems to have two purposes:

1. The obvious “testing” or scrutinizing of self for the purpose of identifying and correcting failures, as in 2Cor.13:5; and

2. Keeping us out of each other’s business, as in Gal.6:3-4!

But as important as self-examination is to both of these purposes, it can be taken too far; it can become obsessive, and therefore counter-productive. cf. 1Cor.4:3ff; 1Tim.1:12-17.

It is then that self-examination often becomes an Inferiority Complex.

Inferiority Complexes and feelings of inadequacy are not uncommon, even for great

Bible characters:Moses, when he was being sent to attain the release of the Israelites from

Egyptian bondage, said, “Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since Thou has spoken to Thy servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” Ex.4:10

Saul, when he was about to be publicly (cf. 1Sam.10:1) anointed as King over Israel, had to be found “hiding himself by the baggage.” 1Sam.10:22.

Isaiah, when first called by the Lord to prophesy, responded, “Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” Isaiah 6:5

But just knowing that there are others “in the same boat” doesn’t really help; knowing these others “in the same boat” went on to be what God knew they could become, now that’s helpful!

What causes our feelings of Inferiority and Inadequacy? Often, they are caused by one or more of the following:

Physical Appearance / Characteristics- Because we’re not as tall, skinny, attractive, muscular, athletic, pimple-free, etc. etc. etc., we tend to look down ourselves because we think others do.

Intellectual Capabilities / Limitations- Perhaps we have a learning disability, or we’re just not “straight-A” students, and because of it, we feel inferior to those who do well in school.

Our Job / Income- Because we’re not a doctor or a lawyer or a professor or a novelist or etc. etc. etc. making lots of money, we tend to feel like “failures.”

Negative Comparisons from Others- Parents, teachers, bosses, and even friends often contribute to our feelings of inferiority through seemingly constant comparisons to our superior siblings, students, co-workers, and other friends.

Obsessing on Self- While some of these other ‘causes’ are external, and perhaps even uncontrollable, probably the most common cause is this one; just dwelling too much on “self”; too much introspection, too much circumspection, too much self!

So, what do we do about our feelings of Inferiority?

1. We have to realize and accept that our sense of well-being and adequacy must stem from who we are in Christ, rather than what we are in the world, 2Cor.3:5-6.

If you are “in Christ,” Rom.8:1-11, then you are: putting to death the deeds of the body (including physical comparisons) vv.12-13; are thus being led by the Spirit, v.14; adopted and free, v.15; and an heir together with Christ, v.17. That’s certainly nothing of which we should feel inferior or inadequate!

2. We have to realize and accept that our calling by, acceptance with, and usefulness to God are not dependent upon:

Physical Appearance / Characteristics. Luke 19:1-9 Intellectual Capabilities / Limitations- Acts 4:13 Our Job / Income- Amos 7:14-17; Matt.9:9 > 10,13. Negative Comparisons from Others- John 8:3-11; Luke 7:36-50.

So, what do we do about our feelings of Inferiority?

3. We have to realize and accept that God uses what the world might term “ordinary” or even “inferior” people to do extraordinary and superior things, 1Cor.1:26-29.

1Cor.13:1-8 > 13 It doesn’t take impressive physical attributes, super mental acuity, or a great job and lots of money to love, but such manifesting godly love makes us like God, Matt.5:44-45; 1John 4:7-11.

Rom.12:3-21 Differing gifts (that not all have) are in vv.3-8; employ whichever one(s) you have to the benefit of the body; vv.9-21 outline abilities everyone has, and everyone should utilize!

4. We have to realize and accept that our goal is to please God, not others, and not ourselves.

1Thess.2:4 , “not as pleasing men, but God” Gal.1:10, “For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God?” Eph.5:7-10, “Therefore do not be partakers with them; for your were

formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.”

Conclusions

We need never feel inferior based on things over which we have no control- whether physical, mental, economic, etc. cf. 2Cor.12:7-10

If we feel inferior because we failed to do what God said, good- we’re supposed to feel that way so we will do better the next time, Gen.4:7ff.

But we must realize that our worth is not determined by the world, or even ourselves,

but by the price paid for us, 1Cor.6:20; Rom.5:8!