IntroductionFor as he thinks within himself, so he is. (Proverbs 23:7)

Self-esteem is a term used in psychology to reflect a person's overall evaluation or appraisal of his or her own worth (Wikipedia).

What you think about yourself will affect what you believe, your mindset, and how you will live your life.

Parents can help or hinder you from having the proper basis of self esteem by how they raised you, but God has ultimately given you the responsibility to choose.

IntroductionThose who have low self esteem will likely be critical of themselves and think they are useless to do anything right.

On the other hand, those who think too highly of themselves will likely be arrogant, boastful, and conceited.

The Bible warns against both extremes.

What is the proper basis of self esteem?

We will examine what the Bible says it is, along with five silent assumptions that distort how we should rightly view ourselves.

Biblical Basis for Self EsteemWe are not valuable because of what we think we are, but because we were created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27).

The Psalmist praises God as his spirit soars with thanksgiving for the magnificence with which he was made (Psalm 139:13-14).

Even though we have all chosen to sin, God sent His Son to purchase our redemption, even though we were unworthy (Rom. 5:6-10).

But instead of the Biblical basis for self esteem, we are greatly influenced by worldly ideas.

I Must Be Approved by OthersAny criticism or complaint that they receive is taken as a personal rejection of themselves.

They try to please others & not offend anyone.

We should seek to be approved by others in the things that are right (parents, spouse, teachers, employers, etc. ) but that cannot be the basis of our feelings, or we will be miserable.

Was the apostles self esteem based upon the approval of men, or of God? (1 Cor. 4:9-13)

If everyone approves of you look out! (Lk. 6:26)

Bible: Seek First to Please GodBecause the apostle Paul sought to please God first he rebuked the Galatian brethren. (Galatians 1:6-10)

On the other hand, the rulers sought mans praise rather than Gods and they compromised what they knew was right (Jn. 12:42-43).

Are you seeking to please God first or man?

If you are motivated to please man over the Lord you cannot serve Him (Matt. 10:34ff; Js. 4:4).

The world hates the righteous (John 15:18-19) so you cant please them.

I Must Be LovedTheir worth is measured by being in a relationship (not according to Gods will).

Women are especially vulnerable to this myth.

They fall prey to the idea that their needs will be met without sacrificing for their partner.

If the relationship doesnt last and they have a baby, at least my son or daughter will love me.

Sometimes its better to be unmarried so that you can be more devoted to God (1 Cor. 7:32-33).

This myth has left a trail of broken hearts, broken homes, and lost souls!

Bible: We are More than Conquerors through Him who Loved UsDont allow the world to tell you that you must be loved in order to feel good about yourself.

God loves you, Christ died for you, and we can overcome any obstacle through that unconquerable love (Rom. 8:37-39).

Then you can demonstrate that love that you have in your life towards others (1 John 4:19; 3:16-18; Matt. 22:39; Eph. 5:28-29; Tit. 2:3-4).

Are you sacrificing yourself for others or demanding love from them?

My Self Worth = My Net WorthHow many people think that their life consist of all their assets?

Their worth is the sum total of their job, stocks, money, house, and possessions.

Those who dont have much want to get rich 82% according to Pew Research Poll in 2007.

There are many that took a hit on their self esteem as many have lost their jobs, houses, and had to give up some of their possessions.

Jesus taught that our life doesnt consist of the the things that we possess (Luke 12:15).

Bible: Store Up Treasures in HeavenSolomon learned that riches do not satisfy; instead they leave you empty and depressed. (Eccl. 4:8; 5:10-12)

Those who want to get rich end up drowned in debt with a bankrupt faith and anguished souls. (1 Timothy 6:9-10)

Are you storing up riches on earth or treasures in heaven that will be beyond your wildest imagination (Matt. 6:19-21; Eph. 2:7)?

What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul? (Matthew 16:26; Luke 12:16-20)

I Must Outperform OthersSome compare themselves with others abilities, appearance, and accomplishments to see if they measure up.

The Israelites considered themselves inferior to the Canaanites (giants) (Num. 13:31-33).

They disregarded the fact that God had promised that they would take the land as Joshua and Caleb had said (Num. 14:6-9).

The Corinthian brethren judged Paul as weak in appearance, contemptible in speech, and overbearing with his writing but they were without understanding (2 Cor. 10:10-12).

Bible: I can do all things through ChristPaul didnt come with excellent speech, human wisdom, or good looks but with the testimony of God so that their faith would rest on Gods power (1 Cor. 2:1-5; Gal. 1:11-12).

In the past, Paul did have great accomplishments which he could have boasted in but he gave them all up for Christ (Phil. 3:4-11).

God has give you talent & ability so use it in His service rather than hiding it (Mt. 25:17,20,25).

Are you trying to compare yourself with others or are you doing all things through Christ?

If I Fail I Should Just QuitPerfectionism is a great enemy to self esteem.

Some who have this mindset may feel that they cannot live the life of a Christian and so they may not even try.

Others may realize theyll never do whats right and so they may drink, gamble, do drugs.

Still others may have become Christians but because of constant failures they feel guilty and want to quit.

Peter failed many times even to denying the Lord three times but he did not quit.

Bible: Dont Give Up- Press on to the GoalIf you have not been baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of sins because you think youll blow it- you have already failed (Rom. 3:23).

Respond to His love in obedience to the gospel of Christ (Heb. 5:8-9).

As a Christian, if you are concerned about your ungodly past, remember that Paul had to forget that he had Christians put in prison and voted for their death sentence; with Gods grace he was able to press on (Acts 26:10; Phil. 3:13-14; Heb. 8:12; 1 Cor. 15:9).

Are you giving up or pressing on to the goal?

ConclusionModern psychology wants you to focus on yourself for the source of your happiness without God or guilt.

The Bible refutes this philosophy. Jeremiah said, I know O Lord that a mans way is not in himself. It is not in a man who walks to direct his own steps (Jer. 10:23).

We have great value because we have been created in the image of God and were redeemed by His Son.

Instead of seeking approval in others, we should humble ourselves & please God first.

ConclusionInstead of demanding love from others we should love others & sacrifice for them.

Instead of storing up riches on earth, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.

Instead of comparing yourself with others, realize that you can do all things through Christ.

Instead of seeking approval in others, we should seek humble ourselves & please God first.

Instead of quitting when things get hard, press on towards the goal.

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