Living from the inside out

My pastor, Jason Forby, has been preaching a series titled “It’s an Inside Job” to remind us that Jesus resides within us just as much as He does outside us. Jason is teaching us to listen to the “Christ in us” to overcome the lies we believe about ourselves and others.

There’s a psychological theory from Internal Family Systems known as the “wise mind.” It suggests that within each of us is a core part that has not been touched by trauma, and this part represents our most authentic selves. The wise mind embodies compassion, curiosity, clarity, and courage. It has the power to heal us by accepting and nurturing the damaged parts of ourselves.

The wise mind understands that most of our negative beliefs stem from hurt and trauma. This part of us can see the best in ourselves and others. When we perceive ourselves as failures, our wise mind reminds us to be compassionate and to view ourselves with nonjudgmental curiosity. It encourages us to identify the part inside us holding onto this belief and, in essence, to re-parent that part by providing the nurturing it needs to heal.

Could psychology have finally aligned with what God has been communicating? The truth in God’s word tells us that we are created in His image, which means we possess power, beauty, strength, and love, among other amazing qualities. He also refers to Himself as our Father, expressing a profound love for us—so deep that He sacrificed Himself to move inside of us so He could heal and transform us from the inside out.

The “Christ in me” is the voice that tells me I am more on the inside than on the outside. While fear says the world sees me as a middle-aged ex-con, my inner voice assures me that I am a daughter of the living God. It encourages me to hold my head high when I feel inadequate and urges me to reject the negative voices from my past and instead listen to the voice of love.

When we live from the outside in, we are reactionary. Circumstances can easily wreck our day. A sideways glance from a coworker can spiral us into negative thoughts and unfounded scenarios. In these moments, truth becomes irrelevant as we become overwhelmed by triggered feelings of anger and fear. Most of the world is living from the outside in right now, and it’s not pretty.

Let’s try something better. The Christ in you, or the wise mind, if you will, has good things to say about yourself and others. We begin living from the inside out when we listen to that part of ourselves, and its way more peaceful. When you start listening to the love and compassion inside you, joy and peace reign. Outside in = neurotic. Inside out = peace. The choice is yours. And if you need help with this, I know a place! Call Caring Counseling Ministries! 😉