Welcome!
Today, we’re talking about self-esteem.
The idea of self-esteem has long been pushed in our culture as psychologically healthy but, interestingly, recent research indicates that the opposite may be true.
According to The New York Times article “The Trouble with Self-Esteem,” (Slater, Lauren. “The Trouble With Self-Esteem.” The New York Times, 3 Feb. 2002, www.nytimes.com/2002/02/03/magazine/the-trouble-with-self-esteem.html) author Lauren Slater cites several studies pointing to the fact that a focus on self-esteem is not helpful — and maybe even HARMFUL — to a person’s well-being. In her commentary on these studies, Slater says, “Perhaps, as these researchers are saying, pride really is dangerous, and too few of us know how to be humble.”
And that’s what God’s Word has always told us: exalting ourselves will always cause us problems, but exalting God and uplifting others will always do us good. As Proverbs 29:23 reminds us, “A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.” (NASB)
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.
