On Self-Esteem

Much has been made about inculcating a sense of self-esteem or self-confidence in modern society that it is no surprise that such thinking has infiltrated into much of the church today. " We mustn't hurt their self-esteem" and " We must help them gain confidence in themselves" are common refrains in many churches and one wonders how biblical that truly is.

I am increasingly convinced such thinking only serves to do incredible damage to the spiritual walks of many believers, for it is only the man who has lost all confidence in himself who is able to come humbly before the Throne of Mercy to beg for grace. It is only when a man can say with all conviction that "I know that in my flesh no good thing dwells" (cf. Rom. 7:18) is he then able to say "salvation belongs to the Lord" (Jonah 2:9).

Is it not little wonder then that "God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise [and] what is weak in the world to shame the strong" (1 Cor. 1:27) so that the one who boasts, boast[s] in the Lord." (1 Cor. 1:31 )He who has had all his self-confidence and esteem crushed is far more ably suited for use in the Lord's hands rather than the one who remains reliant on his own strength because he realizes all the more his utter weakness apart from God.

Oh let us not seek to raise the self-esteem and confidence of those under our charge, but rather to utterly obliterate it so that they may turn to Christ with all their hearts and cling desperately unto Him who is our Source and Life.

"For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh." (Philippians 3:3)