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.
RELATED POST
IS SELF-CONFIDENCE DESIRABLE?
No comments:
Post a Comment