Godly Self-Esteem
Every time we say or think to ourselves, “I’m not pretty enough. I’m not smart enough. I’m not skinny enough. I’m not funny enough. I’m not successful enough,” we are denying that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). We are disapproving of the Creator Himself. Who are we, as mere clay, to argue with the potter? We mustn’t forget that we were created by God, in His image.
He knew exactly what He was doing when He knit us together in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13); He didn’t make a mistake in the way that He uniquely designed and formed each one of us. But as much as we should remember our worth in God’s eyes, we shouldn’t neglect what’s inside – we are fallen, wretched sinners, desperately in need of God’s grace and mercy every hour of every day (Romans 3:23). We are completely incapable of doing anything good whatsoever, apart from the enabling of His Holy Spirit (Romans 3:10-12).
5 Biblical Principles to improve your self-esteem
1. What God thinks of you is most important. You do not have to be liked or approved of by others to feel valued. God proved how valuable you are to Him by sending His Son to die for you. He wants you to live with Him forever. You are of infinite value to God. Therefore, your goal in life should not be to please others and keep everyone happy. Your primary concern should be doing what pleases God.
2. God wants you to care for yourself. Although the Bible tells you to “esteem others,” you cannot neglect or abuse yourself. Since Jesus died for you, He requires you to “glorify God in your body, and in your spirit.” You cannot glorify God in a neglected, uncared for body. Even Jesus took breaks from caring for others to care for Himself. God wants you to look after yourself.
3. It’s okay to say “no” sometimes. Some people fall for the deception that caring for others at the expense of their own health gains them favor with God. This is untrue. It is also untrue that God condones covering up for others when they are sinning or submitting to someone in authority when they are asking you to do what is wrong. Rather than asking, “Am I expected to do this?” ask, “Does God require this of me?”
