Statistics say that about sixty percent of individuals—greater than half—experience imposter syndrome, but don’t quite realize why. Is it as a consequence of our socialization? Is it something from our family of origin? Culture of origin? Is it connected to a low-self self-esteem or false humility?
Imposter Syndrome is the internalized fear that I’m a fraud – that my accomplishments, gifts, and skills don’t equal competence. That I’m not enough; I don’t belong. I shouldn’t step into this promotion, accept this chance, or receive the popularity that God is bringing.
In Exodus 3:11, we see Moses grappling with a version of Imposter Syndrome when he protested to God,
“Who am I to look before Pharaoh? Who am I to steer the people of Israel out of Egypt?”
It’s necessary to know where Imposter Syndrome comes from—in order that we will acknowledge and counteract it. But it’s also value noting that a lot of us are all too quick to devalue our own voices and downplay our own giftedness. And once we are stuck in that Imposter Syndrome place, we will grow jealous and begin to diminish our accomplishments—because we will’t see all that God is doing in our lives.
At the top of the day, identical to Moses, when God calls us into something, it’s not about our glory; it’s about his. It’s not about constructing our kingdoms; it’s about constructing his. It’s not about filling our stadiums; it’s about feeding his sheep. It’s not about our name in lights; it’s about allowing the sunshine of the world to shine through us.
Therefore, we don’t should live under Imposter Syndrome—because God likes to partner along with his us in mighty, miraculous ways—for the name and renown of Jesus.
And yet, when those “impostery” thoughts creep in, there are some ways we will fight back:
- Acknowledge your feelings. The worst thing we will do is pretend like things are okay once they are usually not okay. Ignoring feelings doesn’t conquer them; it only makes them grow larger. When you are feeling the imposter syndrome thoughts attacking you, don’t judge yourself. Simply say, “Oh, I’m doing it again. Jesus, I invite you in here.” Then move forward.
- Retrain your brain. Neuroscience suggests we will create latest pathways in our brains by considering different thoughts. So, each time you start to ruminate on those, “I’m not enough. I’m a fraud” type of thought patterns, try replacing that thought with a more truthful, positive one like, “I’m learning as I’m going and growing as I learn.” Or, “I might not be perfect but I actually have quite a bit to supply here.”
- Celebrate wins. It might be really easy to concentrate on how we fail, but when we will have a good time all of the little victories, we’ll soon realize we’re more ready and capable than we all know.
- Equip yourself. If you are feeling ill-equipped, get training. Learn. Ask for advice. There is wisdom in going to experts to assist you grow in confidence and skillsets.
In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul writes concerning the chain response brought on by the resurrection of Jesus. He says, “After that the top will come, when he’ll turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having destroyed every ruler and authority and power. For Christ must reign until he humbles all his enemies beneath his feet. And the last enemy to be destroyed is death. For the Scriptures say, ‘God has put all things under his authority’ (1 Cor. 15: 24-27).
Paul is saying that even the very worst thing Satan can throw at us—death—has been defeated by Jesus. The excellent news of the gospel is that we’ve a Savior who faced our biggest enemies—like a lion, like an enormous slayer, like a champion—He was not an imposter—and he claimed the victory.
This implies that anything you battle, anything that seeks to harm or destroy you—anything that causes you to feel like I don’t belong here, I’m a fraud, I’m an imposter—you’ll be able to face that thing along with your head held high because Jesus won. Jesus is winning. Jesus will win. And in some way, uniquely, we’ve the privilege of sharing in his victory.
Everything we face, we face in the facility of the resurrection and the hope of Jesus’ triumphant return. We fight our battles from a spot of victory, not defeat.
Today, if the enemy the world, or your personal thought life is attempting to make you are feeling like an imposter, remind yourself of this truth today:
My doing comes from Jesus’ being. My being, from his doing. Therefore, there isn’t any imposter syndrome in Christ.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Koldunova_Anna
