Counseling Services (Inferiority)

Many people suffer from feelings of inferiority. This can be especially true during adolescence and young adulthood. While the Bible warns against thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought (Rom. 12:3), nowhere in the Bible are we told to put ourselves down or wallow in our own failure.

What are some of the causes of inferiority feelings?

1. Less than ideal physical stature and appearance. During the teenage years and early adulthood, there is a lot of pressure to look "right" and dress "right." The desire to conform can be great.
2. Academic limitations. Throughout life, people are often judged by their careers and job performance. Since school is your "job" right now, lack of academic success can lead to feelings of inferiority.
3. Vocational and economic factors. What if you don't have the money to buy the "right" clothes, the "right" car, or live in the "right" neighborhood. Why are we so quick to judge each other by outside appearances?
4. Negative comparisons made by one's parents. Parents are often tempted to compare children as a way of making a point. "Why can't you be like your brother/sister?"
5. Poor health and physical handicaps. It would be very easy for people who can't do the same things that others can to feel inferior.
6. Criticism of others. This can really hurt. The desire for acceptance is very great. Criticism, especially from peers, can be damaging.

Read the following Scriptures from God's Word to see why you are NOT inferior!

1. If you've ever felt inferior, you're in good company.
   1. Moses (Ex. 3:11)
   2. Jeremiah (Jer. 1:6)
   3. Amos (Amos 7:14)
   4. Elijah (1 Kings 19:10)
2. Understand our sense of well-being is not derived from what we have, but who we are in Christ. (1 Cor. 1:26-29).
   1. We're children of God. (1 John 3:1)
   2. We're heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:17)
   3. We're "more than conquerors." (Rom. 8:37)
   4. We're "new creatures." (2 Cor. 5:17)
3. Remember, God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways. (Acts 4:13)
4. Remember, our goal is to please God, not man. (1 Thes. 2:4, Gal. 1:10)
5. Recognize that whatever we accomplish, we do so by God's strength. (1 Sam. 17:45, Acts 4:9-10, Phil. 4:13, 2 Cor. 1:9)
6. Let Christ live through you. (Gal. 2:20, Col. 1:27, 2 Peter 1:3)

The CSU counseling services office:

Dr. Jill Ilagan
Glenda Nanna
Russell West
2nd Floor (ROTC hallway)
phone: (843) 863-8010
e-mail