By Jeremy Writebol
Some psychologists call it “imposter syndrome.” As a writer, it’s that nagging feeling that—even though I’ve been asked to write something, maybe landed a book deal, or I’ve been asked to write a piece based on experience or expertise—I still don’t feel that I belong. Imposter syndrome makes me question if what I have to say is worthy of publication. I think that I’ve somehow stumbled into the wrong room without valid credentials to be there. Usually, the affirming words of an editor or reader who was helped by the work displace that feeling. But without that encouragement, I feel out of place.
Of course, imposter syndrome doesn’t exist merely in the domain of self-conscious writers. Many of us feel an imposter syndrome regarding our relationship with God. Perhaps we started our day off on the wrong foot and said a harsh, demeaning word to someone as we got ready for the day. And now, here we are, trying to listen to God’s Word and pray—and feeling terrible. We know our sin is an affront to God and His holiness, and now we’re not sure we have the right even to pray in the morning.
Imposter syndrome becomes even more magnified when we think about the big picture, the day when we enter eternity. In heaven, will we be nothing more than imposters?
Friend, the truth is that if you have Jesus Christ as your shepherd, you are no imposter in God’s presence. If you have heard Jesus’s call to follow Him and have placed your faith in Jesus as your Savior and Lord, then there is such good news here for you! Jesus came “so that [his sheep] may have life and have it in abundance” (John 10:10). He came and died for us, receiving the penalty of our sin Himself, but giving to all who believe in Him the “gift of God” in eternal life with Him (Romans 6:23). Jesus promises that for all who believe in Him, He will “take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also” (John 14:3).
I am sure the violent thief crucified adjacent to Jesus felt all the weight of imposter syndrome. He knew he was being “punished justly” for his crimes. Yet with simple and confident faith, he laid his hope on Jesus. And Jesus didn’t turn him away.
Jesus won’t turn you away, either. If your faith is in Christ, you are His! You are accepted, forgiven, loved, adopted, and secure. You are not an imposter with God when you are in Jesus Christ. Let’s live for the Lord today, eager to be with Him forever! He will never cast us aside.
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