Friday 18 May 2012

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SELF-ESTEEM AND PRIDE?

Many fail to recognise the difference between self-esteem which is positive and pride which is negative.

                                                                         

“I am not good at it, just so so.” We often depreciate ourselves instead of learning to acknowledge a compliment. Instead we ought to have said, “Thank God, He has given me this gift or talent.”

Having the right estimate of ourselves is so important – too high an estimate smacks of pride whereas too low an estimate is detrimental to our self-image.

Undoubtedly, believers are to emulate Christ as an example of humility (Philippians 2: 8). We are told not to be proud. But this is not to be equated to "low self-esteem". Many make the tragic mistake in not recognising the difference between self-esteem which is positive and pride which is negative.

Such confusion is addressed in Romans 12:3: “…Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” Paul then goes on to show that we should recognise the specific gifts that God has given us and use them (Romans 12:6).

Gideon had a poor self-image. He saw himself as coming from the weakest clan and as the least among his family members (Judges 6: 15). But the angel of God gave him a boost for his morale when he said, “The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valour" (Judges 6:12). He then went on to lead an army to defeat his enemies.

If believers embrace a healthy self-image, the church will have no lack of people serving in various ministries, be it worship, teaching or administration. The caveat is that they remain humble and have a servant’s heart.


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