Self-Esteem vs. Christ-Esteem

What is the place of self-esteem in the life of the Christian?

by David A. DePra

     One of the greatest freedoms any of us can experience is to see that we are nothing. It spells freedom because you realize you no longer have anything to protect about yourself. All of the hiding and pretending before God, yourself, and others, is over. Spiritual bankruptcy does indeed set a person free in Jesus Christ.
Most people usually have a secret desire to be free from pride, self, and all of the entanglements of human nature. But it is the "getting there" that is the problem. Some of us don't have a clue as to how to get there. Others of us try to get there through our own strength. And then there are those of us who say we want to be free, but will not pay the cost of pride when God presents the opportunity.

     Allowing God to bring us to spiritual bankruptcy is actually a scary thought. Afterall, most of us think to be spiritually poor means to "feel worthless." We think it means that we must try to develop some sort of self-imposed humility. That creates a problem because most of us don't need any help feeling bad about ourselves. We do a pretty good job at that on our own. The idea that walking with God is going to intensify this feeling isn't very attractive at all.

     Jesus Christ, however, did not mince words. He said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." He also said, "He who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." There is no question about it, God wants us to become spiritually poor. In fact, He intends to crucify our pride and self-life. Over and over He will bring things into our lives intended to expose us as empty and barren. Again and again He will point out our failures, showing absolutely no regard or mercy for our pride. If we want to walk with Jesus Christ, we can kiss self-esteem goodbye. It will no longer govern our lives.

     But isn't self-esteem a healthy thing? Isn't it vital to both mental and emotional health? Afterall, look what happens to people who don't feel good about themselves. They are crabby and insecure; unpleasant and troubled. Their lack of self-esteem affects everything they do and everything they are in an adverse way.

     Clearly, we must get God's mind on this "self-esteem" business. We must understand how it is possible to have self crucified, yet not become morbid, depressed, and governed by a sense of worthlessness. What is the balance here?

     Think about self-esteem. Natural thinking suggests that there are generally two ways to view yourself: Positively or negatively. We say that those who view themselves positively are generally equipped with "high self-esteem." Those who view themselves negatively, well, we consider them to be beset with "low self-esteem." Thus, the goal of much counseling, even among Christians, is to get people to develop "high self-esteem." That, we believe, not only makes them happier people, but makes it more pleasant for those around them.

     Note that natural thinking provides that there are only two extremes possible for the human condition: That of high self-esteem, and that of low self-esteem. Everyone is thought to be living somewhere in between. Rarely is thought ever given to the possibility of ANOTHER alternative -- one completely outside of those two extremes.

     Outside of those two possibilities? What else is there but the possibilities of high self-esteem or low self-esteem? Herein is the surprising answer. There IS another possibility. It is CHRIST-ESTEEM. Rather than be governed by a high or low view of myself, why not leave myself alone and focus on Christ?

     Ask something about "high self-esteem" and "low self-esteem:" What do the terms have in common? One little word: SELF. That is no accident or coincidence, for both are nothing more than a focus upon self. High self-esteem is a positive focus on self. Low self-esteem is a negative focus. But the focus on self is there. Self-focus absolutely governs us.

     Man, born in Adam, is fully governed by a focus and pre-occupation with himself. Me, myself, and I. Even the "good" which natural man does comes from some root of self. This motive does not need to be deliberate or conscious. It is what we are by nature. There is no escape from it in Adam.

     Christ-esteem, on the other hand, is not a focus on self. It is important to understand that. High self-esteem is a postive focus upon self. Low self-esteem is a negative focus upon self. Christ-esteem isn't any focus upon self. It is a focus AWAY from self, and upon Jesus Christ. Christ-esteem is a perspective completely outside of the possibilities known to natural man.
     Now we can see why spiritual bankruptcy does not equal a sense of worthlessness. Despite being fully aware of the barrenness of myself, I do not dwell on self. I dwell on the One who has saved me from myself. Or, to put it another way, true humility is NOT a focus on my worthlessness. It is a focus  upon HIS greatness.

     Until we see ourselves along side of Jesus Christ, there is no possibility of true humility or spiritual bankruptcy. Only by seeing HIM can we see ourselves, and realize that there is real redemption and freedom. Only by seeing Him along side of our problems, will those problems cease to intimidate us.

      Christ-esteem is not achieved by practicing mental games, memorizing scripture, or even by following religious rules and laws. It is achieved in only one way: Death and resurrection. I must be willing to take my hands off of myself, and leave myself to Him. I do that by unconditionally surrendering myself to Him for the in workings of Christ's death and resurrection. That will eventually make Christ-esteem a reality for me. I'll more and more live in the freedom Christ has provided.

      Note that I cannot find freedom from self by turning upon myself and attacking. No. I must present my "self" to God unconditionally, that the same grace which saved me might bring me into conformity with the death and resurrection of His Son. Only God knows how to specifically do this in my case. But as He does it, the result will be REAL freedom. And I'll slowly develop a new perspective completely outside of any that
I ever thought possible. I'll grow to see the One who is the answer to all of my so-called "self" problems, Jesus Christ.

Taken from this web site:
Self Esteem vs. Christ Esteem

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