The Gospel of Self-esteem
What Is Wrong With Self-esteem?
I’ve heard people blame everything on low self-esteem. The idea is that people are not bad; they lack self-esteem. They are afraid. It may be accurate, but personal experience shows that people often think too highly of themselves, leading to an entitlement attitude. We start demanding things rather than taking life as it is. The answer is not more self-esteem but more humility.
The main problem with self-esteem is that it is self-centered. The more we focus on ourselves and how we feel, the greater the temptation to self-pity and frustration. The Bible tells us to forget about ourselves and think about Christ.
Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. (Luke 9:23, NIV)
Self-esteem is supposed to remove our sense of guilt. The problem is we are guilty.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
If we want to be free of guilt, the ancient practice of repentance is the answer. Repentance includes admitting we are wrong and turning to a new direction, namely Christ.
I’ve tried the “I am somebody” approach to life, but it is not for me. Some people may find traction with that approach, but I always felt worse. I prefer the Groucho Marks approach of “I’ve been kicked out of better places” when treated poorly. That leaves me free of bitterness and resentment, which poison the soul.
For example, as someone from India, I was treated to greater scrutiny as a result of 9/11. Many people don’t know India is not the Middle East, but that’s not the point. I may be imagining this, but the airport security seemed to single me out. But I was okay with it because enhanced security measures are wise. I did not mind because what matters is being Christ-centered, and as a result, it did not bother me. Christ is still on his throne, regardless.
Self-esteem is another piece of baggage to carry with you in life. It gets dashed around, stolen, and lost. It’s better to drop it like a ball and chain that it is and live free. Put your eyes on Jesus and follow him. Detach from the “what about me?” attitude and focus on the real gospel.
Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. (1Corinthians 15:1–5, NIV)
Thank you for reading. I would appreciate your comments.
