If there is one step, lower than low then that would describe the early years of my personal self-esteem. Psychologists estimate that 70% to 85% of people have low self-esteems. Self-esteem is the way we picture our worth and how view ourselves. Simply put we are either positive about who we are with the view “I can,” or we are negative with the attitude, “I can’t.” If you ask someone with a low-esteem if they like themselves, they would most likely tell you, “No!” Of course, there are varying degrees in either case. It was only as I began understanding through scripture, who God had made me, that I was able to raise my self-esteem and begin accepting myself and my place in His Kingdom.
The problem today is that so many have removed God and the Bible from the picture. This leaves individuals, especially young people, depending on those around them to provide an image of their worth. It often means being part of a certain group, wearing a certain brand of clothes, acting a particular way, and even modifying one’s appearance through cosmetic surgery. The marketing world thrives on this and sets up an unachievable image supposedly depicting a successful person of worth. One writer says that 92% of the young women in the USA want to change some aspect of their physical appearance.
The need for esteem covers three areas: self-esteem, esteem from others, and esteem toward others. The last two are dependent of the first, self-esteem. As long as a person sees themselves through eyes of the world or as they believe others see them, they will never find true fulfillment or a satisfying value. Their life will be merely one facade after another depending on the person or group around them. Scripture declares that God made every person on earth for a specific purpose and designed each one to succeed in that role. I have probably said in every course I have ever taught, “God cannot use your mask.”
Three scriptures are essential for anyone beginning the journey towards a proper view of themselves and toward others. Paul says in Ephesians 2:10, For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. In 2 Corinthians, Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose . . . (5:5). The Psalmist David wrote, For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalms 139:13, 14).
The need for esteem can never be met by human means alone. Our true esteem only comes from accepting the person God has made us. Like all of our needs, it is a progressive journey of growth. Sin has distorted the core person that God designed us to be. Life has also scarred us, with hurt, reject, and failure. As we grow in Christ and the knowledge of His word, our inner man is being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16). With the Holy Spirit working in us, we will increasingly exhibit the fearfully and wonderfully made workmanship of God.
Paul also warns that a person is not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment . . . (Romans 12:3). In other words, we must have a balanced and correct view of ourselves—not low and not arrogant.
Note also that a proper self-esteem does not eliminate our weaknesses. Every Christian has both strengths and weaknesses. When we have a proper view of the person God has made us, we know what we can do and what we cannot do. A low self-esteem can keep us in such bondage that we even refuse to use our strengths. This is like the man with one talent in Jesus’ parable that buried it in fear. Having weaknesses does not decrease our worth. Rather it gives God the opportunity to show off His power and ability through our weaknesses.
I have come to understand we honor God by being ourselves. In contrast, people who have low self-esteems are in reality not satisfied with the person God made them. Pretending to be someone other than the individual God made us, dishonors Him. Isaiah warned, Woe to those who quarrel with their Maker . . . Does the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you making?’ (Isaiah 45:9)
Numerous times, I have carved or lathed a piece of wood someone had discarded. As I cut away the rotten or damaged layers, I discovered a beautiful bowl or pen. The core was there all the time. It just needed a woodworker to reveal its usefulness and worth. We are God’s workmanship. That word also means that we are His masterpieces. He knew what He was doing when He formed your inward parts and wove you in your mother’s womb. He did not make a mistake. Stop trying to be what others want you to be. Be what God has made you. He will then begin to restore you and heal the hurt, rejects, and failures. You will find great satisfaction in being who you are and doing the work God has prepared for you. Remember, God prepared the work in advance.
Sustaining Word for the Week:
God does not make junk; He does not make mistakes. You are His masterpiece. Let Him restore who He designed you to be.