13 Jul 2015
Feelings of inferiority and low self-esteem build up over a period of many years through the home environment, parent-child relationships, derogatory communication between spouses, community influence, rejections, disappointments, unrealistic expectations; by sins of fornication, abortion, infidelity, divorce and the guilt that follows; and through other negative experiences and behaviours. Nevertheless, when people can see through all these layers of dark clouds that circumstances and society cast over their self-esteem, they will be able to clearly see themselves as who they are and emerge in a greater way toward their full potential.
The Bible & Self-Esteem
Adam and Eve’s sin in the Garden of Eden distorted their self-image in all dimensions. This distortion had a domino effect on all humans thereafter, multiplying itself in diverse ways. Hence, all of us have had a setbacks and have seen ourselves falsely in one way or another from the beginning.
The fact is that God highly esteems us unconditionally, not because of our education, financial successes, or admirable positions in society, but because of who we really are, the way He created us in His image uniquely and wonderfully (Psalm 139:14). He created our spirits before we were conceived (Jer 1:5). He guided and empowered us during the race among millions to the destination in our mother’s womb. He favoured us to be the first to make contact with the egg , made a deposited of His divine potential in us and watches over our development..
In God’s great love for us, He provided an antidote for sinful behaviours and their effects by sending Jesus Christ to our rescue. Jesus restores and reunites us to God and helps us to see who we really are. God’s letter to us (the Bible) says, “Therefore, if any man be in Christ Jesus, he is a new creature: old things are passed away, and all things are become new.” He claims us as being the apple of His eye and His treasure on earth. Throughout the Bible, He constantly affirms us as valuable in His sight. In 1 Peter 2:9, He calls us His “chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people.” In addition, He has called us “out of darkness into his marvellous light.” In Ephesians 2:10, He says we are His “workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works.” In John 15:15, Jesus declared that we are no longer servants but His friends. He sent angels to guard us and the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us. Our Heavenly Father refers us as “the salt of the earth” (Matt 5:13), “the light of the world” (Matt 5:14), and “fellow workers” and “joint heirs” of Jesus Christ (1 Cor 3:9). We can’t be as bad as we think we are, can we? Are you going to argue with God?
How to Rebuild Your Self-Esteem
After accepting Christ for who He is, you will start seeing yourself and your future differently. By changing the way you think, believe, and feel about yourself and how you conduct your life, you will gradually change your self-esteem. You will start to see yourself through the lens of God. But you will have to do your part. Renewing your mind through diligently studying the Bible daily, joining a healthy Bible group and listening to edifying preaching will surely help. Attend a church that focuses on righteousness rather than sin. Next, you need to separate yourself from people of negative influence and surround yourself with people who will understand and accept you for who you are and support you. You need to have a realistic self-evaluation, accept your current state in this world, decide what you want to be or what legacy you want to leave, set short- and long-term goals and priorities, avoid sin and destructive behaviours, and thank God daily for the work He is doing and will continue to do in and through you.