True You: Self-Esteem

I think self-esteem is broken. I’m not talking just about MY self-esteem, but the concept behind self-esteem in general.

Here’s the definition of self-esteem according to Dictionary.com:
–noun
1. a realistic respect for or favorable impression of oneself; self-respect.
2. an inordinately or exaggeratedly favorable impression of oneself.

Now compare that with what we read in Philippians 2:3,“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” In humility we are to consider others, everyone else, as better than ourselves. This doesn’t say to have a poor view of yourself, but merely a right view of who we are in God’s eyes. We are His, but we are not better than each other.

But even if we totally ignore God in this equation and what He wants, I believe that we still have a problem!

Here’s the issue I take with self-esteem. Although I often times have zero trouble discovering an exaggeratedly favorable impression of myself, most days my self-esteem fluctuates almost hourly. The way I identify myself is directly connected to my emotions and feelings. Emotions change quickly. What we are feeling for a period of time (unless depression is involved) tends to change countless times throughout the day. That means I can be on cloud nine in the morning because I receive an encouraging text before lamenting a quiz I forgot to study for. And then I might just walk out the door in the morning full of joy only to trip in front of a crowd of people and find myself in the pit of despair.

My self-esteem is so high maintenance that I just decided to ditch it.

Here’s what I mean…

My perception of self-worth shifts and changes all the time. (Wait, it just did again. Awesome.) But God’s perception never will. Self-esteem would have me working hard to feel better, but I now know that until my worth is centered upon God’s redeeming act of love, my feelings will fluctuate like a washing machine out of balance. Our center of gravity must be the truth found in God’s Word and not human emotion.

Truth to soak up this week:

We are esteemed and treasured by the King of Kings! I’m praying that truth would be real in our hearts today.

He LOVES the True You.

Following,
Ginger