Confidence vs. Arrogance

Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God. (2 Corinthians 3:5)

Confidence and arrogance are not synonymous. Yet, these terms are regularly confused in our society. Our fear of arrogance can have negative consequences on our life because, without confidence, we are less likely to have the courage to make a difference in this world. “Confidence” is “full trust; belief in the powers, trustworthiness, or reliability of a person or thing: We have every confidence in their ability to succeed.” Meanwhile, “Arrogance” is defined as an “offensive display of superiority or self-importance; overbearing pride.” Our inner motivation makes all the difference in whether we are confident or arrogant. Once you see the difference in definitions, it is easier to recognize whether our rationale is positive or negative.

In The Confident Mind, Dr. Nate Zinsser helps the reader understand the necessity for a confident mind. “Confidence makes one’s peak performance possible, and that’s why it’s of such great importance to anyone who has to step into an arena and deliver their best.” Dr. Zinsser is an athletic therapist and has worked with some of the great athletes of our age. Yet, athletes are not the only ones to benefit from his knowledge. There are many different types of arenas. It takes confidence to step into a pulpit, a classroom, a business meeting, or any other forum where others can judge your words and performance. In those situations, the only thing worse than failure is not trying because if you don’t speak, your comments are lost when they might make a lasting difference in someone’s life.

The difference between confidence and arrogance comes down to whether the focus is on yourself or others. An arrogant athlete, for example, is only concerned about their stats and celebrity, while the confident person acts out of team motivation. Even in individual sports, the confident person races not just for the glory but for how their victory might put them in a position to make a more significant difference in the world around them.

Placing your confidence in God does not mean you lose it within yourself. Just the opposite takes place. The more you trust God, the more the Holy Spirit reshapes motivation, direction, and guidance. Reframing your character and inner confidence is a byproduct of a more extensive transformation. Today, think about your level of confidence. Why might you be struggling with your confidence? Are you too focused on yourself? How can your refocusing on others empower your inner being so that you can make an even more significant impact on the world around you, in God’s name? Just asking these questions will take you on a path to greater confidence without the fear of becoming arrogant.