I have a vital message to give to you: STOP BEING A PUSHOVER. There is such a thing as self-defense. This topic we are going to discuss is a controversial one, and requires a carefully researched and founded answer. And in this discussion of pride/confidence, let me be frank. We’re going to disagree. That’s okay! Each individual is to deal with this issue in their own way. That’s not to say there isn’t a wrong way, but each individual is unique. Let me also be frank in that there isn’t going to be a clear-cut answer here. Before I go any further, let us acknowledge the important part of ourselves that is at the center of our faith. It’s our heart. As 1 Peter 3 states, it’s not the outside beauty that matters. It’s “the hidden man of the heart” that matters.
Now that we’ve acknowledged the most important part of ourselves, let us discuss the issue of being a pushover. It’s commonly taught in Christian circles that when there is a conflict with someone else, we are to be peacekeepers. That is true. But let us point out the time in John 18:22–23 when Jesus is hit, He replies with, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?” In other words, Jesus uses the truth to defend his own actions.
This topic hits a personal story of mine. There was a rather elderly lady who is just like your average old lady. She’s kind and down-to-earth. I tell you this story because it is what motivates me to write this article. I sat down with her one day, and she explained to me a terrible tragedy that happened to her not too long ago. She said a young man in her family came into her house and demanded $100. He went through her purse and took the money. When she objected, he screamed at her and then left the house. Each person’s identity will be kept confidential out of respect of the elderly lady. But let’s just say I had a talk with the young man, and he won’t be doing that again any time soon. I’ll make certain of that, or the police will get involved.
This story shows us why we are to set personal boundaries and not be a pushover. The question here regards being real with others. That’s another point to mention in this discussion. God doesn’t call us to be fake and put on a mask. Rather, God has called us to be real with people. As Matthew 18:15 states, we are to go to our brothers or sisters in Christ and be honest with them. Tell them you have an issue that can’t go unnoticed. Be real with people. Don’t get me wrong, any guy who says his wife is fat is an idiot. But in most cases, we are to be real and honest with people. Speak the truth.
There is a serious movement in our culture today in which we, as Christians, are refusing to be a pushover. One example I would like to mention is Lecrae. For those of you who don’t know, Lecrae is a Christian rapper who, with one of his recent albums known as Anomaly, is using his talents to push back a world who is being way too pushy. Sometimes the best way to deal with a bully is to push back. There is such a thing as self-defense.
Lastly, let us talk about confidence. There is a clear difference between overly-prideful and being confident. To consider yourself better than others is just plain wrong. God has equal love for each individual, and we all have the same incredible amount of value. Instead, have confidence in the truth. This requires honesty with ourselves in finding the truth. And that is my last wish for you. May you find the truth, and may you find confidence in that truth. This world needs confident people who know who they are and know where to go to.
I hope this article helped in any way that it could. But this article isn’t done yet. As mentioned earlier, this article is a rather controversial one. You most likely have a different viewpoint of this issue. Please feel free to state your opinion. It’s certainly welcomed. And may God bless you on your journey of finding the truth.
