There's a definition of the word 'self-deprecation' explained by AI Overview that I found to be so succinct. It explained that self-deprecation,
"involves a constant stream of negativity towards oneself, potentially hindering personal growth and confidence."
It often manifests when people deflect praise, have low self-esteem, and/or underestimate their own self worth. A pattern of self-criticism emerges.
Perhaps an individual's upbringing of constantly being verbally harrassed and put down exacerbated the self-deprecation. Or, for example, take Joni Eareckson Tada. Instead of referring to her as "the diving accident victim who is paralyzed and lives in a wheelchair," refer to her as the "one who despite all her pain is doing so much good for the world" with her Joni and Friends organization helping those who do need help! One could refer to her instead as the Wheels for the World Lady. In this, Joni not only gives hope and mobility to thousands world-wide but gives in-mates some redemptive purpose in their own lives as they repair second hand wheelchairs to like-new conditions. This is amazing life work!
Sometimes a person who limps gets referrred to as "that limping fellow" or the girl who was raped as "the rape victim". Soon the person begins to see themself as that and will even label themself as such. This becomes self-deprecation.
In Deborah Smith Pegues' book 30 Days to Taming YOUR Tongue, she reminds the reader that God is displeased with self-deprecation. She uses Moses as an example. During Moses' burning bush experience, God gave him a commission to go back to Egypt and lead the children of Israel out of their bondage. Moses replied to this with,
"Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since You have spoken to Your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue" (Exodus 4:10-12 ESV).
It could have been true that Moses had a speech impediment. It could have been embarassing. It really could have been difficult to speak. But this was God asking him to go do this good work! Nevertheless, Moses still saw himself as his limitation. On the other hand, God saw what Moses could do despite it. God became greatly displeased with this show of self-deprecation. Yet, God, being God, showed compassion and told Moses that Aaron was on his way to greet him and would be Moses' mouthpiece. They would work together.
No doubt Joni has friends to help her but she is the driving force. Recently, a friend told me she'd like to become more active in doing kingdom work. When she consulted a care group leader, he asked,
"Well, what about your depression episodes? Wouldn't that affect your effectiveness?"
This knocked her back a pace or two. Instead of focusing on her willingness to become more active in the Lord's work, he'd focused on her limitations. We need to be very careful we do not do this to ourself nor to other people. Don't see them as their limitation because you may well cause them to sink into a miry pit of seeing themself as that too!
No doubt limitations need to be factored in but let's help each other see what we CAN do. God will be more well pleased!
God told Moses,
"Now go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak" (Exodus 4:12).
WOW! Imagine that!
Moses would become over-the-top eloquent!
God can help a willing person to overcome their limitations and do wonders. Thousands could well be helped! Joni hasn't gotten out of her wheelchair since she was a teenager as far as I know. She is now a vibrant, grown woman, 75 years of age. Again, according to AI Overview, she has
"helped send 227,000 wheelchairs to low-resource countries and other regions around the world"
How's that for someone with so-called limitations!
If you have made a habit out of self-deprecating speech, stop yourself. Ask the Lord why you do it. If you are a brother or sister-in-Christ, you have the Holy Spirit to help you overcome and form a new and healthy habit. Remind yourself you are made in the image of God and you are precious in His sight because you are His child who atoned for your soul at the cost of His one and only son, Jesus Christ, Who shed His life blood for us. You are a precious jewel in His sight whether you are male or female and whether or not you have a limitation such as Moses' or Joni's. Let this sink into your mind and heart.
It may also help if you see the difference between self-deprecation and humility. Humility will recognize ones own limitation, acknowledge areas that need growth and improvement but still see what can be done. There's a saying that is attributed to C. S. Lewis in his book Mere Christianity which says,
"Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less".
This would lend to greater confidence in how one orchestrates their life. If someone praises you, you don't have to deflect. It also doesn't mean you are proud if you say, "Thank you."
By God's grace and strength we can do all things through Him (see Philippians 4:13). Let the meekness of Christ shine in our hearts and beam out in our demeanor.
Loving and Heavenly Father, in Your time You make all things beautiful. Thank You for Your grace and love bestowed upon us. It's okay for us to see ourselves as You see us - precious jewels that reflect Your love, grace, strength and the abilities and capabilities You give us, energizing us even one day at a time so we can go forth and be influencers for Your kingdom. Thanking You so much, in Jesus' name.
~ ERC May 2025 ~
Based on Exodus 4:10 and loosely on 30 Days to Taming Your Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues.
Sing, One Day At a Time, along with Meriam Bellina.
No comments:
Post a Comment