Self Esteem: is it Biblical?

The Bible calls upon men and women to be "poor in spirit" (Mt. 5:3) and to deny themselves (Mk. 8:34-36). That is not very popular today. Instead, we are told that we need more self esteem, or a higher view of self. We are told so often that "God don’t make junk" it almost sounds like Scripture. Others say "You were so special that Christ died just for you". Does this square with the Bible?

First, let’s be clear, Believers, like all humans struggle with many personal issues. Believers, too, can be discouraged, depressed, overly timid, fearful, unable to make decisions, angry, hurt, despairing of life, insecure, jealous, abused to the point of total lostness, and unable to function among many other things.

However, truth be told, the term "self esteem" is really a new title for an old idea, namely pride, something that God opposes (1 Peter 5:5). When Robert Schuller of the Crystal Cathedral wrote his book "Self Esteem: The New Reformation" few could predict that his book would so thoroughly damage the original Reformation started by Martin Luther. But it has. Had he written his book earlier, when the Church was better at discernment, not only would the Church have recognized it as the heresy it is, it would have been viewed as a comedy.

So then let’s be clear, the problem with the whole "self esteem" movement is that it denies or downplays sin in the life of the individual. Instead of saying "God don’t make junk" the Bible states that "God didn’t make junk" but that He was sorry that He had created mankind after their great wickedness (Gen. 6-9). Sin ruined His creation. Being created in God’s image cannot be used for a personal boost when a person is separated from God. For example: a murderer could feel good about himself because he was made in God’s image. But should he? No he would have a false perception. Self esteem is like marking the side of the boat to remember where the good fishing spot was. It is a subjective feeling not based in reality. So where can help be found?

Scripture has the true answer. I must learn to view myself as God sees me. I must see my life through His eyes. I must live for His pleasure and believe what He tells me about myself. God is the only one with perfect vision and judgment, so His is the only fixed point on which to measure or anchor my life. Every other point is utterly undependable.

So who am I as a Christian?

• I am a sinner forgiven in Christ, 1 John 2:1, 2
• I am valuable because I am related to Christ, Eph. 1
• I am rich in hope because of the promises of God.
• I am dependant upon Christ for all my needs.
• I am able to cope, and in fact, be victorious because of the grace of God in Christ. 1 Cor. 10:13; Gal. 2:20
• I am responsible to live up to my calling.
• I am able to overcome jealousy, hurt and pain because I trust in the sovereign God to protect and rule over my life. Rom. 8:28
• I am able to overcome when with filled with despair because I know no one can separate me from God’s love. No enemy, No power, Not even my own sin (Rom. 8).
• I am able to overcome my self centered focus and my insecurity by looking to God, exalting Christ and not focusing on myself.

Yes there are solutions to problems relating to self without resorting to "self esteem". It becomes merely a band-aid that hides a wound only to fester later. And to make matters worse "self esteem" keeps Unbelievers from looking to the Cross of Christ for their eternal salvation. Why should they? They feel just fine the way they are. So if you are not a Believer, you should still look at your life through heavens eyes, Rom. 1:18

Pastor Jerry Bishop