In high school, confidence came naturally to me. Everything I attempted seemed to succeed effortlessly. From seventh grade onwards, whatever vision I had, whatever goal I set, I achieved. This unbroken string of successes inflated my confidence to the point of arrogance. Friends and family began to notice, and their feedback was clear—they didn’t enjoy being around me.

As I grew older and embraced my faith, I realized the need to change. My journey through ministry taught me humility, but in the process, I lost my confidence. I went from being overly confident to questioning my abilities and decisions. Perhaps you’ve experienced something similar, or maybe confidence has always been a challenge for you. Today, let’s explore how to regain or develop confidence without tipping into arrogance.

Understanding Confidence vs. Arrogance

The Biblical Perspective

The key to balancing confidence and humility lies in understanding a passage from Romans. Romans 12:3 says, “I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think, but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.” This doesn’t mean we should think less of ourselves, but rather, to have a realistic view of our capabilities and to recognize the gifts others bring to the table.

Presenting Ourselves to God

Romans 12:1 encourages us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. This act of surrender is foundational to building true confidence. When we align our actions with God’s plan for our lives, we find a deeper purpose and confidence. This isn’t about self-determined success, but about fulfilling a divinely orchestrated purpose.

Renewing Our Minds

Romans 12:2 advises us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation helps us understand and prove God’s will, which is good, acceptable, and perfect. Confidence grows when we step into this purpose, knowing that we are empowered by a higher calling.

Embracing Our Gifts

Romans 12:4-6 reminds us that we are part of one body, each with different functions. Our unique gifts are meant to complement each other, not to be compared or ranked. Confidence comes from exercising our gifts diligently and recognizing the importance of others’ contributions.

Whether your gift is leadership, teaching, or service, the Bible encourages us to exercise these gifts with diligence. Developing our skills and stepping into opportunities helps build confidence. This isn’t arrogance; it’s fulfilling our God-given potential.

Building Confidence in Community

True confidence doesn’t overshadow others. Instead, it encourages and uplifts. Let others be the heroes of their stories while you are the hero of yours. In my business, my wife and I both play significant roles. She is the hero of her story, and I am the hero of mine. We support and celebrate each other’s contributions.

The Success Challenge

This week, I challenge you to affirm someone else’s hero status. Recognize and appreciate their unique contributions. Acknowledge their importance in your organization or community. This simple act can build a positive environment where confidence flourishes without arrogance.

Balancing confidence and humility is crucial for effective leadership. By understanding our purpose, exercising our gifts, and celebrating others, we can build a confident yet humble community.

If you have any questions or topics you’d like me to cover in future episodes, please leave a comment. My team and I are always here to help. Have a great week, and we’ll see you next time.

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