A Grasshopper Complex

Moving Beyond A Grasshopper Complex

“And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of

The giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers,

And so we were in their sight” (Numbers 13:33).

Introduction: In Modern America who would want to have a ‘grasshopper complex?’ Satirized by our childhood and criticized by others, would-be giants often shrink further at the thought of overcoming. But if we, “…rebel not against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not” (Numbers 14:9). And “…Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee” (Hebrews 6:14). We can make the choice to accept our blessings and rid our minds of the ‘grasshopper’ complex. The Word of God offers us the ingredients and guidance necessary to overcome. And we must be willing to trust God for our victory.

No child decides that he or she would like to have a ‘grasshopper complex’ when he grows up. That is unheard of, and highly improbable. Yet it happens. Somewhere between childhood, and the age of maturity, those of us who live with this complex, suddenly realize that we are handicapped in doing the things that we would like to do. Try as hard as we may, our thinking will not allow us to access the better things in life. Overcoming is not an easy task, but it can happen. “Is any thing too hard for the LORD?” (Genesis 18:14a). “And there is nothing too hard for thee” (Jeremiah 32:17). If we would internalize the Scriptures, the Word of God, and allow them to penetrate our very being, we can overcome our ‘grasshopper’ complex.

So, You Have A Grasshopper Complex

Just as the children of Israel were afraid, often we find ourselves gripped by fear. They exclaimed, “Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there” (Numbers 13:28). The giants were from seven to nine feet tall. These huge men invoked an inferiority complex within the Israelites.’ They said, “…there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight” (Numbers 13:33).

It is obvious that fear had crept into the hearts of these men. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). Christ has delivered us from the spirit of fear, and filled us with: “power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Fear holds us back from obtaining our spiritual or creative potential. The important thing is: We don’t have to allow fear to keep us in bondage, and create a shell for us to crawl under. Not only should we overcome, but it is imperative that we must.

Through God, You and I Can Overcome

As the fifty-five year old woman stood in front of the receptionist’s desk, she suddenly felt small. “I’m not a grasshopper, rather I’m a giant today!” she reminded herself silently as she handed the receptionist her application.

This elderly woman was, in her mind, a grasshopper. She had missed many opportunities because of her complex. After her husband died, she had a single goal: to pursue a career in business. She had the skills, the knowledge, and the education necessary to advance in the field she had chosen. There was one thing that held her hostage, however, it was the fear of being too old, and the complex that was a nagging source of anxiety. Determined, there was another bridge to cross: to get the job.

She made the first step: The recruiter had talked to her on the telephone, and then set up the interview. Talking on the telephone was different; there wasn’t a face to look at, or eyes to stare at her. But after the recruiter assured her that it was a friendly company, and Kathy would be fine, she felt better. Now here she was, and Kathy nervously plucked at an imaginary pimple on her face, and waited.

Then it happened. A burly man with a stony face walked through the door, and escorted her through double doors, and into his office. He offered her a seat, then walked behind a huge oak desk and sat down. He stared at Kathy for what seemed like hours, but in reality, it was only minutes. Finally, he spoke and Kathy leaned forward.

Mr. Morgan asked Kathy about the weather, and she began to relax a little. They talked for over thirty minutes, and finally, Mr. Morgan asked Kathy how soon she could start working.