The Best Lies Series - I Can't ________ Like They Can
As we continue in the "Best" Lies series, let's remember that the best lies are ones that have some of the facts correct, but then have one bit of poison in there that will lead you astray!
One way this plays out is when we believe, "It's a fact that I can't __________ like they can." and allow that to affect other parts of our lives.
Here are some examples.
I can't understand people like a counselor can, but I wish I could, and I often feel like I am supposed to.
I can't read emotions like a natural feeler can, and I feel guilty for not being gifted like that.
I can't provide answers for people's stuff, but it feels like if I really cared for people, I would have provide solutions.
Sometimes the things we "can't" are personal. We all have different gifts. My husband has an uncanny memory for faces and often for names as well. I don't, and he amazes me. It's pretty easy to feel like a failure as a minister when I can't remember faces or names like he does.
Another personal "can't" I struggle with is sales. I truly loathe trying to get people to see value in what I offer. My natural thought process is that if what I offer is of value, then people will just see it.
Some things we "can't" do are universal.
The one above about providing answers is a great example. "I can't provide all the answers I would like to." The truth is, we are not supposed to provide many of the answers people are looking for.
God wants a personal relationship with each of us. If we feel we are supposed to hear from God for others we are stepping in as a mediator of sorts, rather than leaning in to the New Testament plan Jesus made possible, where He connects with people personally. (Check out Hebrews chapters 8 - 10).
If you feel like you can't __________ like someone else can there are a number of ways to work through that.
1) Agree/Celebrate
It may be true. Others are likely better at some things than you are. That may be something you simply need to acknowledge and maybe even celebrate by honoring them. I honor you Eric! Your peopel savvy is extraordinary!
Or, maybe the next way to work through it needs to happen.
2) Learn/Grow
If you recognize that someone else does something better and you feel that it is something God wants you to improve on, you can make a way to learn more about it and how to do it.
3) Acknowledge/Release
The third is similar to the first, but moves differently. Sometimes, when we see something in someone that we would like to be better at, that comparison leads us to condemnation. What if we could learn to acknowledge what we are gifted at and be the best version of ourselves, rather than feeling bad that we aren't something we were never meant to be?
What is something you could put in that blank?
I can't ____________ like they can.
What do you need to do with that thought?
If learning to discern is an area you would like to focus on, good coach training can help!
In Bridges Coach Training, we learn how to lean into processing our lives in light of the Spirit's leading, AND we learn how to help others help themselves to do the same.