The Problem with Self-Esteem

The problem with self-esteem is in the reliance on one's own accomplishments for self-worth instead of God for our source of joy and self-worth.

The world tells us that we have to be beautiful and successful by society's standards and if we aren't, then we have no right to feel good about ourselves. The world tells us that we must have a successful career, 2.5 children and all the things we want (even if we can't afford to buy them) in order to be happy.

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)

The Bible clearly tells us in 1 Peter that true beauty comes from a gentle and quiet spirit and that this is of more worth to God than our outer beauty. We can find true joy when we do what is pleasing to the Lord.

Self-esteem is conditional on your immediate accomplishments. Do I look good today? Did I get that promotion at work? What kind of car do I drive? How big is my house?

These things are fleeting. Material things are not eternal. Outer beauty will fade with the passage of time. A woman who loves and fears our Heavenly Father is beautiful in the Lord's sight. A woman who follows the Lord's commands is worthy of praise.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Prov 31:30 (NIV)

Those of us who believe in our Lord Jesus Christ and that he died for our sins, know that we are children of God. We have an eternal purpose and a home waiting in heaven. We find our self-worth through the one who made us and saved us. We are here for a greater things than just living in the world.

We also have a great responsibility to live differently than the world. Material things are not to be our focus. If we are to get the world's attention, we must show them something better. The joy of living in Christ.

What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
Matt 16:26 (NIV)

In His Service,

Angela