Undermine

Dorma Guice
Oct 15, 2020
5 min read

Definition: to damage or weaken (someone or something), especially gradually or insidiously *

Approximate Number of Occurrences in Scripture (6)

Read: Matthew 13:53-58 for full context of this account

Matthew 13:57 (NIV) And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor."

That Was Then

Most of us have at least one family member or childhood friend who loves to remind us that “they knew us when…” Sadly, Jesus was no exception. In addition to being fully GOD, He was also fully man; which means despite the fact that he could calm a storm simply by speaking to it, there still remained an element He couldn’t impact no matter how anointed He was – family. At this account, Jesus is now well into His ministry and has proven that nothing is impossible for Him. In addition to imparting the deepest wisdom, He caused the blind to see, the lame to walk, the deaf to hear, the maimed (body parts missing or permanently damaged) to be made whole, and even raised the dead. Throngs of disciples were following Him as they were convinced that He was the Christ of GOD. As the news spread about Him everywhere, one would think there was virtually nowhere His invincible power could go unrecognized. As it turned out, there was one place – home.

Jesus arrived in His hometown of Nazareth and taught in the synagogue with the expectation of confirming the Words He spoke with miracles, as was His custom. This familiar crowd was amazed at His teaching, but in the same breath began to undermine His authority and wisdom. Holding true to Nathanael’s adage “Nazareth, can anything good come from there?!” (John 1:46 NIV), they began to question where He could have received such superior knowledge and the ability to perform miracles. They focused entirely on the physical demographic and ancestral limitations of His family and decided there was no way He could know anything more than they knew or do anything more than they could. What’s more, they were offended that He would so much as imply that He was anyone other than the “common” kid they grew up with.

This was not the first time Jesus was undermined by His family and neighbors. In fact, His first assassination attempt was in Nazareth. Luke 4:14-28 provides further detail into this account. In Mark 3:21, Jesus’ mother and brothers went to take charge of Him because they believed He was “out of his mind” when He was dining in someone’s house and a crowd gathered to the point where He and His disciples were not able to eat. More fascinating than their reaction to Him was the fact that Jesus could not do many miracles there because of their unbelief. The text doesn’t imply that Jesus would not, but that He could not perform miracles. Their unbelief limited GOD’s power. If there was anyone Jesus wanted to see healed and prosperous it would have been the people of Nazareth. Oh how their unbelief must have grieved His heart, just as we in our unbelief can undermine GOD’s power and hinder our healing and blessings today.

This is Now

If you have never encountered someone who attempted to undermine your authority, intelligence, character or progress, count yourself very blessed. While you read this account with a wound-free back, I’ll preach to the amen corner who is likely still reeling from the family member, neighbor, coworker, ministerial colleague or frenemy who tried to stealthily take them out. Much like criticism, undermining targets the confidence, aptitude and self-esteem, making the recipient second guess themselves and doubt their competence. However, it goes a step further as its objective is to coerce everyone else into doubting them, forcing a reversal of fortune or progress. Undermining is the language of the saboteur. In fact, “undo-mine” is a better way to describe the adverse impact of this toxic language on its prey. The larger the audience, the greater the effect. A person who uses this type of communication makes their victim feel as if they are not good enough. And if used consistently, can even make them feel insecure over things completely out of their control. The hallmark of this type of critic is they are ever ready to offer their two cents by using these conniving cloak and dagger exchanges to appear helpful. In reality, their comments rarely do anything but cut like a knife.

Undermining comments can be either covert or overt in nature and delivery. In many instances, this discouragement stems from familiar offenders, which is why it is effective – because it often comes from someone trusted. Here are a few examples of covert undermining: someone going for an executive level job is told “do you really think that’s a good idea?” or “don’t you think you should apply for something more suited to your qualifications?” After proposing a new idea in a meeting a colleague might chime in with “yes, but…” or “well, actually…” or “I don’t think you’ve considered all the factors...” Overt undermining may sound a bit like this: one telling a story at a party might be interrupted by someone with the ‘smartest person in the room’ syndrome who blurts out “you don’t know what you’re talking about!” or “don’t be stupid, what really happened was…!” The minister may be in the middle of a sermon when a heckler chimes in with “That’s not what that verse means!” or “If you understood the needs of your congregation, you would preach a better sermon!” In all of these cases the culprit was attempting to discredit their target, sabotage all progress and superimpose their agenda over the original one.

As hard as it may be to implement, the best way to handle these buttinskis is with love – and by that I mean love for yourself, first. Remember who GOD says you are and agree with Him only. Don’t give their misleading comments any credence, and don’t reward their unacceptable behavior by making adjustments to please them. You’ll just make yourself a bigger target. Lastly, keep moving ahead with your agenda and let the results speak for themselves.

Who Said That?!!!

“When people undermine your dreams, predict your doom, or criticize you, remember they’re telling their story, not yours.” – Cynthia Occelli**

What Do You Say?

AFFIRMATION: "I don't make undermining comments. Nor do I give them any credence when made about me. I just keep moving ahead and let the results speak for themselves."

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