Yesterday a youth in my church emailed
me the following (exchange shared with permission):
I have a question. I’m reading through a little book about self-esteem,
and I’m now wondering: Is self-esteem a bad thing?
My response:
Regarding self-esteem:
On one hand, one could say that the Bible does affirm the worth
and value of every human being. We were made in the image of God (Gen 1:27) and
this is true even after the fall (post-Gen 3) (Gen 9:6; James 3:9). In
addition, the Bible says we were made a little lower than the angels, have been
crowned with glory and honor, and been given dominion over the creation (see
Psalm 8, esp. vv. 4-8). We are fearfully and wonderfully made by God
(Psalm 139:14). So, we should value every human being (ourselves included),
because we are image-bearers. In the Great Commandment, Christ also said
we should love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:33-34).
On the other hand, the Bible teaches that we are sinners, who do
not seek God, cannot do good, and are in need of God's grace (cf. Romans
3:11-12, 23; 6:23; 5:8).
So, the Christian is one who both knows he is made in God's
image and that he is a sinner whose only hope is Christ.
I'm not sure what book you are reading. In today's world
"self-esteem" is a pop-psychological term that is not always used in
a Biblical way. There are some people who do struggle with low self-esteem and
need to be reminded they are made in God's image. Other people actually suffer
from an over-inflated self-esteem and need to cultivate humility and lowliness.
Consider verses like these:
Matthew 23:11-12: “But he that is greatest among you shall be
your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that
shall humble himself shall be exalted.”
James 4:10: "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and
he shall lift you up" (cf. 1 Peter 5:6).
Consider Christ's parable of the Pharisee and the publican (tax
collector) in Luke 18:9-14, followed by his teaching that one must receive the
kingdom like a child (Luke 18:15-17).
Maybe Paul sums it up best in Romans 12:3 when he urges each
Christian, "not think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but
to think soberly [seriously, honestly]."
Hope this helps. Let me know Sunday what you think.
JTR
It is noteworthy that pride is never spoken of as a virtue in the Scriptures. This flies in the face of today’s philosophy and way of speaking. The Christian alternative to pride is thanksgiving. Pride gives credit to self; thanksgiving points away to God. Instead of being proud of our achievements, we should be thankful to God who has enabled us. Instead of being proud of our children or our country, we should be thankful.
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