Welcome!
Today, we’re talking about self-esteem.
Our culture today relentlessly pushes the concept of SELF-ESTEEM, encouraging people to “love themselves” above anything or anyone else. But this idea is contrary to the Bible’s teaching that we put God and others before ourselves and live with a spirit of humility and self-sacrifice. The concept of self-esteem actually goes all the way back to Eden — when Adam and Eve decided to put themselves before God.
As D.A. Carson said, “[T]he one reason why the Bible does not foster self-love and self-esteem in the fashion of several strands of popular psychology is because God, unlike popular psychologists, is infinitely aware of the danger of fueling idolatry. The first temptation was the temptation to de-god God and turn self into god. Appeals to self-love and self-esteem, even at their best and even when well-intentioned, can never be far from that danger.” (Love and the Intoxication of the Diligent Routine by D.A. Carson taken from Love in the Hard Places by D.A. Carson, 2002, Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton Illinois 60187, www.crosswaybooks.org. Page 189)
And what else should we think about “self-esteem?” We’ll discuss that another time.
For additional resources, go to www.hopetools.net. Stay bold!
Carl Kerby is the founder of Reasons for Hope and co-creator of the DeBunked apologetic video series. His radio feature, Fast Facts, is heard weekly on VCY America, Saturdays at 9:25 AM Central.
