Your Are Not Enough/You are More than Enough

Both are lies

I think we often feel like we are not enough. We all run into limitations, things we can’t do or feel inadequate about. Our appearance, our age too young or too old. Nobody understands me, nobody loves me. I wish that guy or girl knew I existed. I will never be able to finish this project or homework. My parents don’t understand me. I am 45 years old and I still feel like my mom doesn’t understand me sometimes. What am I supposed to do with my life. Some times these feelings come from our own bad choices. Sometimes extremely tragic things happen to us through death or abuse that we did nothing to deserve and it leaves us feeling hopeless and empty.

I am a go and research it and find answers guy. I am a software engineer by trade and have worked in the computer industry for 23 years now. Using the internet has been a big part of my success. People at work as me how I know so much or get answers so fast, I joke and say my google-fu is just better. I have learned the art of how to word the question to fight the right answer I suppose.

But what happens when we go to the world or internet for answers when we feel incomplete or hopeless?

Growing up in a TV generation it was just endless barrages for buy this toy or buy this video game and it is so much fun. Life is about having fun, then when I got to my teenage years it was about girls, cars and being cool. The TV ads were the same just aimed at an older audience. It was still the idea of fun, but if you had this car or these clothes or did these things or belonged to such and such group (remember Matt’s teaching) you would be cool, loved and have fun. Think back to the lesson two weeks ago about we are what we worship, last weeks about what groups you are apart of.

So I admit, even as we talked about two weeks ago in Ecclesiastes there is nothing new under the sun, it has been a few decades since I was a teenager. I still battle feelings of inadequacy or incompleteness sometimes but I have many more life experiences to draw from so I set out to see what the world is telling you all.

Google AI

Feeling "not enough" is a painful but common human experience, often stemming from learned beliefs and comparisons to others. To cope, you can practice self-compassion, use calming techniques like deep breathing, and challenge negative thoughts by avoiding comparisons. If these feelings are persistent, overwhelming, or linked to other symptoms of depression or anxiety, such as sadness or loss of interest in activities, reaching out to a mental health professional for support is a good step. Strategies to Manage Feelings of "Not Enough" 

Challenge the thought: Recognize that the feeling of not being enough is a learned belief, not an objective truth.

Practice self-compassion: Treat the part of you that feels inadequate with the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a child or a friend.

Use calming techniques: Deep, belly breathing can help calm your nervous system when you're feeling overwhelmed.

Incorporate movement: Exercise can help you get adrenaline flowing and build a sense of empowerment.

Stop comparing: Consciously stop yourself when you catch yourself comparing your life or achievements to others, as this often fuels feelings of inadequacy.

What is missing? - I hurt, I am not enough, I am supposed to will myself into better shape?

I found a mental health article. It basically said because we all evolved from hunter gatherer societies we have been environmentally trained to constantly asses and compare ourselves to others to survive. And we had to get along with our tribe to survive and if we didn’t we got kicked out and couldn’t. It implies that modern man has evolved beyond that. It did acknowledge that all humans are valuable because of the miracle we call life. But does nothing to satisfy about where we came from or where we are going. We just are and and so we are valuable.

Here is what copilot said

Hey… I hear you. That feeling—of not being enough—is heavy. And it’s something so many people carry quietly, even though it’s not a reflection of truth. You’re not alone in this, and you’re definitely not broken.

Let me offer you something: “Enough” isn’t a finish line. It’s not a standard you have to meet to deserve love, rest, joy, or belonging. You’re already worthy of those things just by being here.

You might be measuring yourself against expectations that were never meant to define you. Whose voice is telling you you’re not enough—yours, or someone else’s? Because I promise, the real you, the one who’s trying, feeling, hoping, hurting—that person is more than enough.

If you want, we can talk through what’s weighing on you. Or I can just sit with you in this moment. No pressure. Just presence.

March 23, 2016 Microsoft’s chat bot Tay was launched on Twitter. In 16 hours it was taught how to spew hate speech. Some stories reported within two interaction it was taught to be anti-semetic. Microsoft took it down and accidentally brought it back up and it started talking about doing drugs.

So what is the truth? Are we enough? Are we not enough? Where do we go for answers. Let’s look at God’s word.

John 15:1–11 ““I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

Does that not sound like the game we just played? Jesus and the disciples are leaving the upper room. Judas has already left to go betray Him before he tells them about how he is the way, the truth and life and the Holy Spirit in chapter 14. Then he gives them this analogy as to what life with Him will be.

Verse 4 He tells us to abide in Him. What does it mean to abide? Greek word Meno, means to remain, stay or dwell. It is where we get the word dwelling from. As long as we Abide/Remain we will bear much fruit. If we do not verse 6 we will wither and die. So we must stay connected to the source. The Source is the Father/God and we must abide/remain to stay connected to produce fruit. What is the fruit.

Verse 7, abiding in Him changes our desires so we will as what for things that Jesus wants. We will want what Jesus wants.

Again think back to the game. Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodeness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Self-Control.

This will glorify the Father verse 8. and Prove we are Jesus disciples.

Verse 9 - As the Father loved Jesus, Jesus loves us. Abide, dwell, live in Jesus love.

How ? verse 10 - Keep His commandments.

John 15:12–17 ““This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.”

So what is the truth?

We are not enough, Jesus says so. If we do not abide/dwell/remain in Him the Father we cannot produce fruit and will wither and die.

That striving for more, that feeling of incompleteness what if we thought of that as a sign of what we are worshipping or ordering our life around? Ourselves, other people, things, ideals, causes?

Sometimes these hard/bad feelings of worthlessness and despair come outside of what we have and haven’t done. Maybe somebody has said or done something to make us feel this way. And we have tried to earn favor and still fallen short.

Yet in all of this we still have hope.

Outside of what we may or may not have done, said, been or all the things. Jesus Christ lived the perfect life none of us could live, He gave His life willingly on a cross and was raised three days later so we could Abide/Dwell/Remain with Him.

We just have to give up trying and accept and admit and recognize Him as Lord and Savior. Then let his Word change our hearts and try to live out his commandments John 14:15

How Can We Abide in Jesus?

1. **Stay Connected to Jesus Daily**

- Just like a branch needs to stay attached to the vine for life and fruit, we need to stay close to Jesus.

- This means making time for Him every day—through prayer, reading the Bible, and worship.

2. **Let His Words Shape You**

- Jesus says, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you…” (v. 7).

- Read, memorize, and think about what Jesus teaches. Let His words guide your choices and attitudes.

### 3. **Obey What He Says**

- Abiding isn’t just about knowing Jesus’ words, but doing them.

- When we obey Jesus, we show our love for Him (see John 14:15) and stay connected to His life and power.

### 4. **Rely on the Holy Spirit**

- We can’t abide in our own strength. Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit to help us stay close and bear fruit (see John 14:16–17).

- Ask God for help to trust, obey, and love like Jesus.

### 5. **Stay in Christian Community**

- Branches grow best together! Stay connected to other believers for encouragement, accountability, and support.

### 6. **Keep Turning Back to Jesus**

- If you drift away, don’t give up. Jesus invites you to return and reconnect with Him at any time.

**Summary for Your Group:**

> “To abide in Jesus means to stay close to Him—by trusting Him, listening to His words, obeying what He says, and relying on His Spirit. It’s a daily relationship, not a one-time event. When we abide, we experience His love and bear fruit that blesses others.”