Morning Moments

Self esteem is a term that has always interested me.  It is a term of psychology and many worship at the shrine of this abstract science.  I find it quite amazing that so many Christians prefer the word of man to the Word of God.  

As believers we are to be confident, but not arrogant.  Confidence is not arrogance.  Confidence says, "I am what I am by the grace of God."  Arrogance says, "Look what I have made of myself." Confidence, properly placed in the Lord says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Jesus said, "I can of mine own self do NOTHING."  He also said "Without me YOU can do NOTHING."  That is the clearest expression of humility I know.  Jesus also said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me, and that you ALWAYS hear me, but for their sakes...."  That is the clearest expression of confidence I know.  Confidence rightly place in Him makes us bold, but also keeps us humble.  But what does this have to do with self esteem?

Just this!  Self esteem is just another expression of pride, which may manifest itself as a false humility or low self esteem, or a haughtiness which manifests itself as high self esteem.  Both are inconsistent with the Biblical view of oneself.  Allow me to illustrate.

He walked into my office and said, "I want you to know that I did note vote for you to be our pastor."  I said, "Great, now let's go have a cup of coffee."  He informed me that he did not like my style of leadership.  For almost 10 years he reminded me that he did not vote for me to be pastor.  

THEN he got cancer, so I went to visit and pray with him.  Once again, he reminded me and added that he thought I was arrogant.  I replied, "What you see in me as arrogance would be seen as confidence if you would give your heart to Jesus."  Well, long story short, He did just that and from that point on saw me much differently, even as his father in the faith.  We must see as God sees to make proper judgments about others.

PRAYER:  Father, in the name of Jesus, please help me to understand that I am a worm and no man; that I can of mine own self do nothing; that I am a "0" with the rim rubbed out, but that I am more than a conquerer THROUGH Christ.  I am unique, just as everyone else is unique, but I am made in your image and your likeness and if you can do that without my help, I can trust you for anything and everything.