Imposter Syndrome
By Dean Collins
Have you ever felt like you were not qualified for the assignment or role you have been given? You have been asked to do something and even accepted the role and then you suddenly think, “What if I can’t do this?” Probably all of us have experienced this moment of internal panic when we realize that how others see our competency is greater than how we assess ourselves. This feeling actually has a name: imposter syndrome. It is not a clinical diagnosis, but it is common enough that it is written about in journals and often discussed in therapy sessions.
An article in the Harvard Business Review in 2022 said that about one-third of young people suffer with this issue and 70 percent of the rest of us will feel it at some point or another in our lives. I guess you might say most of us are fearful at some time or another that our mask or veil might come off and people will see that we are not who they think we are.
Often when we apply for a job or new opportunity, the job description calls for certain competencies, skills, and educational attainment. There are many jobs that require the employee to be sufficient in the skill level necessary to actually do the surgery, balance the account, coach the team, etc.
In 2 Corinthians, Paul made an interesting statement that seems counter to the messages we tend to have concerning competency and sufficiency.
“Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not by the letter but by the spirit.”
Jim Collins, a seasoned business writer, educator, and consultant, identified key characteristics of what he called a ‘Level five leader.’ A level five leader possessed all the characteristics you might expect, including certain documented experiences and successes in previous roles, competencies for leadership, and so on. But the key distinction of a level five leader was humility and fierce resolve.
I think there is a connection to what the apostle Paul modeled in his life as well as what he was saying in 2 Corinthians 3. A humble person realizes that any success they have is rooted not simply in their learned skills but begins because the God of heaven created them in his image, has been beside them throughout their lives, and makes it possible for his work to be accomplished through their giftedness and perseverance.
When we surrender ourselves to Christ, we learn that our suffering comes from God. It is okay and even good to develop our talents and broaden our experiences through education. But sooner or later, we may well find ourselves in a situation where we realize that we really aren’t big enough, smart enough, or experienced enough to handle some problems or situations. When we surrender who we are to the Lord, he becomes our sufficiency and our victory.
Maybe the best solution for those who are struggling with imposter syndrome is to find a strong Christian mentor who can help them learn to be dependent on Christ over thinking that we can ever train hard enough and learn enough to solve every problem and win every battle. God never intended us to make it on our own.
Father, today we admit to you and to ourselves that we are not sufficient for the tasks you have given us. We surrender to your grace and mercy so that you might do your perfect will in us and bring about the kingdom results that you prayed for and sent the Holy Spirit to guide us toward. Thank you for removing the blinders that kept us from seeing you in your greatness and glory. We ask that you receive our humble offerings and that you might be strong in every area we are weak. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
2 Corinthians 3:4-6, 11-18 ESV
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