Introduction
“For as he thinks within himself, so he is.”
(Proverbs 23:7)
“Self-esteem is a term used in psychology to
reflect a person's overall evaluation or appraisal
of his or her own worth” (Wikipedia).
What you think about yourself will affect what
you believe, your mindset, and how you will
live your life.
Parents can help or hinder you from having the
proper basis of self esteem by how they raised
you, but God has ultimately given you the
responsibility to choose.
Introduction
Those who have low self esteem will likely be
critical of themselves and think they are useless
to do anything right.
On the other hand, those who think too highly of
themselves will likely be arrogant, boastful, and
conceited.
The Bible warns against both extremes.
What is the proper basis of self esteem?
We will examine what the Bible says it is, along
with five silent assumptions that distort how we
should rightly view ourselves.
Biblical Basis for Self Esteem
We are not valuable because of what we think we
are, but because we were created in the image
of God (Gen. 1:26-27).
The Psalmist praises God as his spirit soars with
thanksgiving for the magnificence with which
he was made (Psalm 139:13-14).
Even though we have all chosen to sin, God sent
His Son to purchase our redemption, even
though we were unworthy (Rom. 5:6-10).
But instead of the Biblical basis for self esteem,
we are greatly influenced by worldly ideas.
“I Must Be Approved by Others”
Any criticism or complaint that they receive is
taken as a personal rejection of themselves.
They try to please others & not offend anyone.
We should seek to be approved by others in the
things that are right (parents, spouse, teachers,
employers, etc. ) but that cannot be the basis
of our feelings, or we will be miserable.
Was the apostles’ self esteem based upon the
approval of men, or of God? (1 Cor. 4:9-13)
If everyone approves of you –look out! (Lk. 6:26)
Bible: Seek First to Please God
Because the apostle Paul sought to please God
first he rebuked the Galatian brethren.
(Galatians 1:6-10)
On the other hand, the rulers sought man’s
praise rather than God’s and they compromised
what they knew was right (Jn. 12:42-43).
Are you seeking to please God first or man?
If you are motivated to please man over the Lord
you cannot serve Him (Matt. 10:34ff; Js. 4:4).
The world hates the righteous (John 15:18-19)
so you can’t please them.
“I Must Be Loved”
Their worth is measured by being in a
relationship (not according to God’s will).
Women are especially vulnerable to this myth.
They fall prey to the idea that their needs will be
met without sacrificing for their partner.
If the relationship doesn’t last and they have a
baby, at least my son or daughter will love me.
Sometimes it’s better to be unmarried so that you
can be more devoted to God (1 Cor. 7:32-33).
This myth has left a trail of broken hearts, broken
homes, and lost souls!
Bible: We are More than Conquerors
through Him who Loved Us
Don’t allow the world to tell you that you must be
loved in order to feel good about yourself.
God loves you, Christ died for you, and we can
overcome any obstacle through that
unconquerable love (Rom. 8:37-39).
Then you can demonstrate that love that you
have in your life towards others (1 John 4:19;
3:16-18; Matt. 22:39; Eph. 5:28-29; Tit. 2:3-4).
Are you sacrificing yourself for others or
demanding love from them?
“My Self Worth = My Net Worth”
How many people think that their life consist of
all their assets?
Their worth is the sum total of their job, stocks,
money, house, and possessions.
Those who don’t have much want to get rich –
82% according to Pew Research Poll in 2007.
There are many that took a hit on their self
esteem as many have lost their jobs, houses,
and had to give up some of their possessions.
Jesus taught that our life doesn’t consist of the
the things that we possess (Luke 12:15).
Bible: Store Up Treasures in Heaven
Solomon learned that riches do not satisfy;
instead they leave you empty and depressed.
(Eccl. 4:8; 5:10-12)
Those who want to get rich end up drowned in
debt with a bankrupt faith and anguished souls.
(1 Timothy 6:9-10)
Are you storing up riches on earth or treasures in
heaven that will be beyond your wildest
imagination (Matt. 6:19-21; Eph. 2:7)?
“What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole
world and loses his own soul?”
(Matthew 16:26; Luke 12:16-20)
“I Must Outperform Others”
Some compare themselves with others abilities,
appearance, and accomplishments to see if
they measure up.
The Israelites considered themselves inferior to
the Canaanites (giants) (Num. 13:31-33).
They disregarded the fact that God had promised
that they would take the land as Joshua and
Caleb had said (Num. 14:6-9).
The Corinthian brethren judged Paul as weak in
appearance, contemptible in speech, and
overbearing with his writing but they were
without understanding (2 Cor. 10:10-12).
Bible: “I can do all things through Christ”
Paul didn’t come with excellent speech, human
wisdom, or good looks but with the testimony
of God so that their faith would rest on God’s
power (1 Cor. 2:1-5; Gal. 1:11-12).
In the past, Paul did have great accomplishments
which he could have boasted in but he gave
them all up for Christ (Phil. 3:4-11).
God has give you talent & ability so use it in His
service rather than hiding it (Mt. 25:17,20,25).
Are you trying to compare yourself with others or
are you doing all things through Christ?
“If I Fail I Should Just Quit”
Perfectionism is a great enemy to self esteem.
Some who have this mindset may feel that they
cannot live the life of a Christian and so they
may not even try.
Others may realize they’ll never do what’s right
and so they may drink, gamble, do drugs.
Still others may have become Christians but
because of constant failures they feel guilty and
want to quit.
Peter failed many times even to denying the Lord
three times but he did not quit.
Bible: Don’t Give Up- Press on to the Goal
If you have not been baptized into Christ for the
forgiveness of sins because you think you’ll
blow it- you have already failed (Rom. 3:23).
Respond to His love in obedience to the gospel of
Christ (Heb. 5:8-9).
As a Christian, if you are concerned about your
ungodly past, remember that Paul had to forget
that he had Christians put in prison and voted
for their death sentence; with God’s grace he
was able to press on (Acts 26:10; Phil. 3:13-14;
Heb. 8:12; 1 Cor. 15:9).
Are you giving up or pressing on to the goal?
Conclusion
Modern psychology wants you to focus on
yourself for the source of your happiness
without God or guilt.
The Bible refutes this philosophy. Jeremiah said,
“I know O Lord that a man’s way is not in
himself. It is not in a man who walks to direct
his own steps” (Jer. 10:23).
We have great value because we have been
created in the image of God and were
redeemed by His Son.
Instead of seeking approval in others, we should
humble ourselves & please God first.
Conclusion
Instead of demanding love from others we should
love others & sacrifice for them.
Instead of storing up riches on earth, store up for
yourselves treasures in heaven.
Instead of comparing yourself with others, realize
that you can do all things through Christ.
Instead of seeking approval in others, we should
seek humble ourselves & please God first.
Instead of quitting when things get hard, press
on towards the goal.