In the first half of The Superwoman Myth, we discussed how the players of self and others contribute to this myth of womanly perfection. Today, we finish with the final player.
The final contributor in the saga of the Superwoman Myth is Satan.
He is the great deceiver and he loves that we fall prey to the myth!
What better way to convince us we are failures than to give us an unattainable goal?
He waits on the sidelines while we struggle and agonize over our own weaknesses, while we look around at all of the women who seem to be living out their faith so much better than we are.
Debunking the Superwoman Myth
It is then that he strikes – in the middle of that doubt and fear that we’re not good enough, maybe even that we’ll never be good enough. He knows that if he can get us to focus on our failures, we’ll take our eyes off of Christ.
1 Peter 5:8 warns,
“Be alert and of sober mind.
Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion
looking for someone to devour.”
But Satan is a liar.
The Father proclaims that we don’t have to be perfect because
Christ.
was.
perfect.
for us.
Amen?! God knows that we are human and that because of sin we are flawed, but the Good News? He chose to love us anyway!
Romans 5:8 testifies,
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:
while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
When God looks at you, He already sees perfection because of the sacrifice of His Son. That work is already complete!
So, how do we become the best version of ourselves (the one we were created to be), without crossing over into the abyss of worry and guilt that Satan wants us trapped in?
How do we show ourselves grace and avoid falling prey to the Superwoman Myth?
The answer lies in Christ.
We can become the best version of ourselves by abiding in Him, by spending time in His word and in His presence.
It really is that simple.
It’s not in the details of our living, but in the attitude and mindset behind the way we live that matters to the Lord.
When we realize that He purposefully created us with a unique role to fill, we can stop looking down on His creation (self), stop looking around at everyone else, and instead focus on Him and His love for us.
When we relax in His gracious love, we allow Him to do the work necessary to develop Christ-likeness in us. We can be at peace with ourselves knowing that He will continue the work in us and that our Father God already loves us anyway, no matter what!
Now, let’s take a peek back at that one personality flaw we chose during part 1 of the Superwoman Myth. Let me ask you some questions in relation to your flaw.
Did God create you?
In His wisdom, did God create your personality this way?
Consider this: Does God create by accident? Does He create things that are inherently bad? (Think back to the days of Eden.)
No!
Therefore, we can safely assume that the things we dislike most about ourselves are characteristics God intentionally gave to us or allowed us to have.
And …
In their purest, God-given form, those personality “flaws” are not bad.
Yes, personality “flaws” can certainly lead us to sin, but in and of themselves, they are pure, God-given traits meant for our benefit. He give us these traits, perhaps to teach us, maybe even to teach others, and in the process, to bring Him glory.
So, now how do you see your “flaw?”
Is it possible that with Christ’s help your flaw can become the thing of beauty He intends it to be?
I believe so.
That’s why my life verse is Philippians 1:6.
“Being confident in this; he who began a good work in you
will carry it until the day of completion in Christ Jesus.”
My sisters in Christ,
don’t
fall
for
the Superwoman Myth.
Don’t believe the lies from self, others, or Satan.
Instead, listen to the voice of your Creator God, the Father who lavishes His love on you!
He doesn’t ask us to be superwomen.
Instead He just wants us to be the women He created us to be.
Work-in-progress women.
Jen 🙂
Sharing with: Tell His Story, Grace and Truth
This is an excerpt from the newly released devotional, Being Confident of This: 30 Days to Discovering Your Identity in Christ.
when i get like that, I find that Romans 8:1 seems to straighten me out 😀
Thank you so much for this series, Jen, it is a message we need in this perfect-seeking culture. I have struggled with perfectionism a lot in the past, and making me a mother was one of the ways God has knocked me down to show me he is all I need.
What makes trusting in Jesus different from all other religions is just two words:
Other religions = Do.
Trusting Jesus = Done.
Bless you.
Yes, so true! Thanks for stopping by, Sarah.
Jen 🙂
Love it! So true! I would add that the answer to all our problems is Christ. But as you explained the superwoman myth, Christ is definitely the answer so we can see the grace and mercy reaching out for us. Thank you for sharing!
I LOVE this! I used to struggle with this syndrome, but God has humbled me and reminded me who I am: HIS> In that identity, I am enough. Thanks for the reminder to keep my eyes focused on Him!
Yes! I love that you refer to it as a syndrome, Sarah Ann! 🙂
Jen
Love it…
It’s amazing how God gives us situations that cause our personality flaws to rear their heads. I think it shows us our sinfulness (thus emphasizing Christ’s purity) and ultimately molds us to look more like Christ. As a woman with little patience, I can see how God has used marriage to soften that area of my life. He is so good to, as you said, complete the work He started in us! Great post!