When we read the Word, it shows us who we are and makes us answerable. We’ll look at four categories of people that we see in the world and what the Bible says about them.

The Inferior – feeling

Many of us have had instances when we felt we were definitely going to fail. Sometimes people think that though they have worked hard, they are just not good enough. It seems that others are more talented and capable and will surely do better. If we fall into this deception, we tend to blame our backgrounds, lack of education, the atmosphere we grew up in, etc. and we compare ourselves to others.

But Genesis 1:31 says that God made everything good, and that includes each of us. If we consider ourselves inferior, we doubt God. A feeling of inferiority sometimes causes us to pretend that we are superior, and boast of things we shouldn’t be boasting about. An inferiority complex can lead us into sin.

Proverbs 3:26 says, “The Lord will be your confidence.” If you have done your part and put in a good effort for whatever task you are doing, leave the rest to God. Psalm 118:8 says, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” That would include yourself. Put your trust in God rather than in yourself, and God will bless what you are doing. Philippians 4:6 tells us not to worry, but instead to pray and make our requests known to God.

The Sluggards

These are people who do not work hard or prepare well for their tasks, and then at their time of need, pray for help. They end up feeling insecure because of failures.

We need to pray while we are working and preparing. Proverbs 13:4 says, “The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing.” Proverbs 24:33 tells us that laziness brings poverty. If we have a problem of being distracted or lazy, we should pray for God’s help and make an effort to change.

The Proud

These are usually people who have worked hard and are successful, but are proud of their achievements. Their pride makes them believe that they are above the rest and causes them to look down on others. They expect special treatment, even in church, and are offended about petty matters. They find faults in others, but do not see their own. They find it difficult to help others and to forgive.

Galatians 6:3 says, “If anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” Everything that we have and we are is from God and we are deceiving ourselves if we think otherwise. The Bible teaches us that pride brings shame (Proverbs 11:2) and that God gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Humble people make good leaders.

If you have symptoms of being in this category, beware. Step away from this attitude and concentrate on what the Word demands.

The God – honouring

These people work hard, are successful, and also give glory to God for it. They are humble and down-to-earth. They have many responsibilities, but will still make time for someone in need. They understand that whatever they have received is for the glory of God.

God has given every person gifts. One person may be good at speaking, and another at administrative work. We should identify our capabilities, work at them to keep improving, and use them to minister to others. 1 Peter 4:10 says, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

If we think that we lack something, God can fulfil the need, but our motive should be His glory (see James 4:3). God can even use that “lack” in our lives to enable us to do something special that we wouldn’t otherwise.

So…

• Stop comparing yourself to anyone and indulging in feelings of inferiority. God has created you; do not doubt His goodness.
• Be a responsible and hard worker, not a sluggard. God blesses the diligent.
• If you are successful, do not look down on others. God opposes the proud.
• Be a God – honouring person. Do your best, trust God, and focus on bringing glory to His name.