How should a Christian view self-esteem?

Response

Many define self-esteem as “feelings of worth based on their skills, accomplishments, status, financial resources, or appearance.” This type of self-esteem can cause a person to feel independent and proud and to engage in self-admiration, which diminishes our longing for God. James 4:6 informs us that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” If we solely rely on our worldly resources, we will ultimately end up with a sense of worth rooted in pride. Jesus instructed us, “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do” (Luke 17:10).

This does not imply that Christians should possess low self-esteem. It simply means that our perception of being a good person should not be contingent on our actions, but rather on our identity in Christ. We must humble ourselves before Him, and He will exalt us. Psalm 16:2 recalls, “I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.'” Christians achieve self-worth and esteem by maintaining a proper relationship with God. We can recognize our value because of the great price God paid for us through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ.

In one aspect, low self-esteem is the antithesis of pride. In another aspect, low self-esteem is a manifestation of pride. Some individuals experience low self-esteem because they desire sympathy, attention, and solace from others. Low self-esteem can be a cry for “look at me” just as much as pride. It simply follows a different path to reach the same destination, which is self-centeredness, self-preoccupation, and selfishness. Instead, we are called to be selfless, to die to self, and to deflect any attention.Given to us by the great God who created and sustains us.

The Bible teaches us that God granted us value when He acquired us to be His own people «which is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the acquired possession, to the praise of his glory. », (Ephesians 1:14). Because of this, only He deserves honor and praise. When we possess healthy self-esteem, we will appreciate ourselves enough to avoid engaging in sin that enslaves us. Instead, we should behave with humility, considering others as superior to ourselves «Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. », (Philippians 2:3). Romans 12:3 cautions, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.”