Following and Trusting : Encountering God Out of the Box

What is the Root of a Mocking Attitude?

Mocking.

It’s a sharp word, isn’t it?

It conjures images of hurtful laughter, dismissive remarks, or subtle jabs meant to diminish someone else.

The hardest is watching leaders do this – mocking other leaders.

Leaders are called to a higher account. If we as leaders mock others, we are inviting others to mock us. We reap what we sow.

Have you ever paused to wonder why a mocking attitude arises in the first place?

The truth is, mocking is more than just a habit—it’s a reflection of the heart. And like any behaviour, it has a root.

The Root of Mocking: A Heart Issue

At its core, a mocking attitude is the fruit of arrogance. But here’s the thing: arrogance doesn’t usually spring up on its own. It’s often the mask worn by insecurity. And insecurity grows when our identity is built on anything other than God.

When we don’t fully know who we are in Christ, we look to other sources to define our worth—our achievements, relationships, status, or even comparisons with others. When those sources fail (as they inevitably do), we become defensive, building ourselves up by tearing others down.

But this isn’t the way of life we have to be stuck in.

A Life Truly Rooted in Christ

God offers us a better way. In Colossians 2:7, Paul writes:
“Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

When we root our identity in Christ, we’re no longer tethered to insecurity. His love becomes our anchor, providing:

• Security: We no longer need to compare ourselves to others because we know we are deeply loved by God.
• Humility: When we see ourselves through God’s eyes, we can acknowledge our flaws without shame and celebrate others without envy.
• Grace: His unconditional love empowers us to speak life, not harm, into others.

Instead of mocking, we become people who build others up, offering words of encouragement and kindness.

An Invitation to Reflect

This journey begins with courageous self-reflection. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart:

• Is my identity fully grounded in you, God?
• Am I seeking affirmation or worth from anything other than Christ?
• Are my words and actions building others up or tearing them down?

When we allow the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of insecurity, we can bring them to God and invite Him to replace them with His truth.

Practical Ways to Grow in Christlike Identity

1. Spend Time Reflecting in His Word: Let Scripture remind you who you are in Christ (Ephesians 1:4-5, 1 Peter 2:9).
2. Practice Gratitude: Overflow with thankfulness, as Colossians 2:7 says. Gratitude keeps our focus on God’s blessings rather than comparisons.
3. Speak Life: Choose words that build others up (Ephesians 4:29). Every time you speak life, you reinforce your secure identity in Christ.
4. Surround Yourself with Truth-Tellers: Community matters. Invite others who are rooted in Christ to encourage and challenge you. This is why our community continues to be so life-giving as we seek to be iron sharpening iron!

A Heart Anchored in Love

The world tells us to climb higher by stepping over others.

But Jesus shows us a different way—one of humility, grace, and love.

Can you imagine if our world walked this way?

When our identity is deeply rooted in Him, we’re free to lift others up instead of tearing them down. Insecurity melts away, replaced by the steady assurance of His love. And that, dear sister, is the kind of life that overflows with joy and thankfulness.

So today, pause.

Ask Holy Spirit to examine your heart. Let Him lead you into a deeper understanding of who you are in Christ—and who He’s calling you to be for others.

You were made to build up, not tear down. To love, not mock. To reflect His grace in every word and action.

Root yourself in Him—and watch your life flourish.

Dig Deeper:

God, Show Me More of You: Encountering God Out of the Box
(What happened after I prayed a dangerous, amazing prayer.)

Freedom Coaching Circle – movement of women who are iron sharpening iron…

Coaching in Freedom – Private Sessions for your own heart and journey!