Jennie Allen on the Lies Christians Believe

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Jennie Allen is a woman on a mission to help people understand that they may have been buying into lies. In her new book, "The Lie You Don't Know You Believe," Allen explores three core lies about identity: helplessness, worthlessness, and unlovability. Allen is clear that writing the book was challenging. “I felt under attack, in the writing process, it was my most difficult book to write.” In a sit-down interview with Crosswalk, Allen opens up about her own personal struggles with the lies she has believed, along with how she has allowed God to help her overcome those lies.

Crosswalk: What was the writing process like?

Jennie Allen: In my first book, Get Out of Your Head, the resistance from the enemy was intense, just like this one was. I felt under spiritual warfare, like I’ve never experienced before. Believing lies that Devil has put on you is harmful.

CW: Can you explain the difference between what God has for us, compared to the world system that some believers have bought into?

JA: The world system focuses on control, approval, and success, versus God's kingdom, based on grace, where failure is acceptable. Jesus presented himself as the doorway to this new kingdom, which offers a different set of commodities built on love and acceptance rather than the world's system of control and approval. In this new kingdom, people were created for, leaving behind the world's system, and embracing the cost of following Jesus, illustrated through examples from both Jesus's ministry and crucifixion.

CW: How did Jesus respond to temptation?

JA: Jesus responded to temptation by offering an alternative perspective rather than accepting the devil's challenges. The enemy can shift between subtle and overt approaches when he wants to attack Chris’s followers.

CW: What was a primary verse of the Bible that was your anchor in writing the book?

JA: John 8:32, Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. True freedom comes from a relationship with Jesus and living in His kingdom, rather than just knowing scriptural truths. Knowing the truths about what Jesus says about us brings freedom.

CW: What are two key questions that you ask yourself?

JA: There are two key questions that I use from Jamie Winship, in seeking God’s guidance. First, Lord, what do you want me to know? And then what do you want me to do?

CW: How do you see the term, Our daily bread?

JA: God typically provides enough clarity for daily actions rather than long-term plans. Our Daily Bread represents communion with God rather than literal bread.

CW: When you look back at what God has done in your life in elevating you to becoming the leader that you are, what do you think?

JA: My initial plans after seminary were much simpler, I only wanted to be a stay-at-home mom teaching Bible studies in my living room. It’s been a fifteen-year journey.

If God had given me the full scope of what he had been planning, I might have been too afraid to begin. It’s been an honor to work with God and witness His work.

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MAINA MWAURA is a freelance writer and journalist who has interviewed over 800 influential leaders, including two US Presidents, three Vice-Presidents, and a variety of others. Maina, is also the author of the Influential Mentor, How the life and legacy of Howard Hendricks Equipped and Inspired a Generation of Leaders. Maina and his family reside in the Kennesaw, Georgia area.