Perhaps one of the worst spiritual and emotional problems facing some people is that of low self-esteem. It is easy for one to have this killer in their heart. Yes, I said that low-self esteem is a killer: a killer of strength, of courage, of relationships, of our own human potential, and the list goes on. Why do you suppose that Eve ate the forbidden fruit? Is because she disliked herself or the way God made her? No. What about Satan? Why was he rebellious against God? Did he feel like he was so inferior to God? No. Both of these examples have to do with something else that is a spiritual killer; and that is pride! I’m writing here about a pride that caused them both to think that they knew better than God and to be much more than the Lord intended them to be. C.S. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity, “A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.”
Actually, our primary problem is that as humans we have guilt before a holy and righteous God. Here is something we need to consider. We have to get worse before we can get better. Isn’t it ironic that sometimes we have to hit rock bottom before we can make the journey upward again? The word of God tells us that we are to build each other up, “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” (I Thessalonians 5:11). Perhaps, some of you reading this today may have competed in a long foot race. You know what happens when you are close to the end: your legs hurt, your throat is dry and burning, and your whole body cries out for you to stop running. Here is where friends and fans are the most valuable. Their encouragement can help you not think about the pain and get you to the finish line. In the same way, Christians are to encourage one another. What a difference an encouraging word at the right moment makes! If it’s offered in a timely manner, it can be the difference between finishing well and collapsing along the way. We are to express our special love and care to those who have sensitive needs and who have suffered from situations that are abusive.
But all of us, no matter how we’ve been conditioned from our youth, must admit that we need God in our lives. We must admit that we are sinners. Sometimes we try to compare ourselves to others. “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” (II Corinthians 10:12). We worry too much about other people’s accomplishments. Paul criticized false teachers at Corinth who were trying to prove their goodness by comparing themselves with others rather than with God’s standards. All of the sudden, we realize we have no basis for pride. We need to ask how our own lives measure up to what God says He wants for us. But above all, we must realize that we don’t deserve what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross of Calvary. “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” (Titus 3:4-5).
So how do you feel good about yourself? Live for Jesus and accept what He has done for you. When you think about who you are in Christ, then you can truly feel good about yourself.
The Lord Bless You and Keep You,
Russ
Russ Vickers is the minister of the Middle Fayette Church of Christ, Fayetteville, Ga. The church building is located in the Glynn-Hood Plaza at 372 North Glynn St. across the road from La Hacienda Restaurant. They invite you come and visit them on Sunday for Bible study at 9:00 a.m. and worship at 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and Wednesday evening Bible Study at 7:00 p.m. They also offer a free of charge DVD based Bible Study at their church building. Just call to make an appointment. Visit them on the web at www.mfcoc.org for the plan of salvation and other information.
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