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The essence of true Christianity is not to have either high or low thoughts of self, but rather not to be thinking about self at all. "For to me to live is Christ."
Excerpt- The subject of “self-esteem” is very current in the world today, especially in North America. Less than twenty years ago, the subject was scarcely mentioned. Now we are bombarded with the term on every hand, and even very young children are being taught courses on self-esteem in schools. The lack of it is supposed to be the underlying reason for almost every wrong in man, and the restoration of one’s self-esteem is supposed to be a cure for almost any shortcoming.
Some time ago, while waiting for an appointment, I picked up an issue of Reader’s Digest in the reception room. An article entitled “Words That Work Miracles” caught my eye, and I would like to quote to you two paragraphs from that article.
We each have a mental picture of ourselves, a self-image. To find life reasonably satisfying, that self-image must be one we can live with, one we can like. When we are proud of our self-image, we feel confident, and free to be ourselves. We function at our best. When we are ashamed of our self-image, we attempt to hide it rather than express it. We become hostile and hard to get along with.
A miracle happens to the person whose self-esteem has been raised. He suddenly likes other people better. He is kinder and more cooperative with those around him. Praise is the polish that helps keep his self-image bright and sparkling.
This quotation represents current thinking in the world, and also among many Christians. While there are ideas in those words that are very true, there are also things that are wrong.
Part of the problem of dealing with the subject lies in the fact that to date there is no real agreement on what the term “self-esteem” means. Various definitions have been proposed, but even in educated circles there is no general agreement. It is obvious that the term means different things to different people.
As with every moral and spiritual subject, Christians must turn away from man’s wisdom, and look into the Word of God. Peter tells us that “His [God’s] divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness.” 2 Peter 1:3. Paul told the Corinthians that “the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:19. With the Lord’s help I would like to look into the Word of God, where we find the answer to everything that concerns our walk as Christians in this world. Man’s wisdom cannot add anything to the Word of God.