Is the concept of self-esteem ungodly or is it biblical?

[Lik3]

I have had issues with self-esteem and being self-conscious. Having said that, are there verses considering self-esteem? How do I reconcile between having self esteem and what the Bible says about saving one's soul by giving up things of the flesh? What I am trying to say is that if self-esteem a fleshly issue or a spiritual issue.

Does self-esteem line up with the Word of God or does it go against the word of God? I read somewhere that self-esteem and psychological solutions against anxiety often go against God's word. I do have a hard time reconciling between "Be anxious for nothing" --Philippians 4:7 and "casting down vain imaginations" 2Cor. 10:5 with letting thoughts pass and allowing the anxiety to pass.

I have OCD and I am in therapy and taking medication but lately I have been told that I am making progress. I sometimes feel like I do and sometimes I don't, but I guess I can go by feelings. The anxiety scares me and the fear worries me. I can easily reconcile between fear and worry worldly with what the Word says about them, but the anxiety and thoughts part is what is making it difficult. In short, is there anything biblical about self-esteem or is it unbiblical?

 

[Bluelion]

Paul was said to speak bold in letters but was quite in person. There are many reason for self esteem issues. I think what matters is if it is a worldly issue or something deeper. If its issues like looks or what you wear, yes the Bible tells us not to think about such things. If its just shy or feeling unworthy that can be humble or keeping you humble. The Bible can build you up. God's word heals everything. Some bibles have where you can find help with many issues in the Bible.

If it is bothering you pray about it, and search the Bible. Those who seek find, those who knock the door is open.

 

[miamited]

Hi lik3,

I agree with what bluelion has said. I believe that we should all feel good about ourselves. Who we are. However, much of that comes from being able to shut out and turn away from what the world might tell us that we should be. You are a singular, unique and specific person who is made in the image of the living and loving God. In that alone, you should find your satisfaction. When our being satisfied with ourselves is based on status among others or material goods or hanging with the crowd, then it's really quite easy to fall into the trap that you are in. We are always going to find others who are above us on that measuring rod. But when our satisfaction with ourselves comes from our position before God, then there is no one better than you. You, my friend, if you have been born again, are the child of a King! You are a part of a royal priesthood and you have as your brother the kindest, gentlest and most forgiving person who ever walked the face of this earth. You are loved by the one who created all things. You are cared about by Him.

Here's how Ron Carlson and Ed Decker describe you:

You are a special creation of a good and all-powerful God. You are the climax of His creation, the magnum opus of the greatest artist in the universe. You are created in His image, with capacities to think, feel, and worship that set you above all other life forms. You differ from the animals not simply in degree but in kind.

Not only is your kind unique, but you are unique among your kind. God has masterminded the exact combination of DNA and chromosomes that constitute your genetic code, making you as different from all others as every snowflake differs from the rest.

Your Creator loved you so much and so intensely desires your companionship and affection that, despite your rebellion, He gave the life of His only Son that you might spend eternity with Him. If you are willing to accept the gift of salvation, you can become a child of God, the King of the universe.

As a believer, you are clothed with the righteousness of Christ. He has given you special gifts and abilities to serve him in a particular and unique way.

Your heavenly Father is sovereign, and will allow nothing to cross your path that is not Father-filtered. He cares for you so much that He is totally available to you at all times, and listens to every word you say. He cares deeply about your hurts, and has a perfect plan for your life. He has given you the inspired Word of God as a road map for living. He gives you the truth that sets you free, a life that is abundant and eternal, and a spiritual family that loves and needs you.

Your destiny is to live forever in a magnificent kingdom, to reign with Christ over the universe. You will forever enjoy the wonders of His presence and the marvels of His creations. You will spend eternity in ultimate and joyful fellowship with your beloved Lord and your precious spiritual family.

**********************************

Friend, how can you possibly not feel 'good' about yourself if you have taken hold of this promise? Your challenge is this: Will you establish for yourself the measure that the world sets before you, or the measure that God sets before you?

Jesus was clear: The first and greatest commandment is to 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' To 'love God and serve Him only'. If you would but believe Jesus and put into practice in your life what he has asked of you, you will be fine. You'll be able to rid yourself of feel good medications and anti-depressants and live the remainder of this life with the proper amount of 'self-esteem'.

God bless you,
In Christ, Ted

 

[Bluelion]

Hi lik3,

I agree with what bluelion has said. I believe that we should all feel good about ourselves. Who we are. However, much of that comes from being able to shut out and turn away from what the world might tell us that we should be. You are a singular, unique and specific person who is made in the image of the living and loving God. In that alone, you should find your satisfaction. When our being satisfied with ourselves is based on status among others or material goods or hanging with the crowd, then it's really quite easy to fall into the trap that you are in. We are always going to find others who are above us on that measuring rod. But when our satisfaction with ourselves comes from our position before God, then there is no one better than you. You, my friend, if you have been born again, are the child of a King! You are a part of a royal priesthood and you have as your brother the kindest, gentlest and most forgiving person who ever walked the face of this earth. You are loved by the one who created all things. You are cared about by Him.

Here's how Ron Carlson and Ed Decker describe you:

You are a special creation of a good and all-powerful God. You are the climax of His creation, the magnum opus of the greatest artist in the universe. You are created in His image, with capacities to think, feel, and worship that set you above all other life forms. You differ from the animals not simply in degree but in kind.

Not only is your kind unique, but you are unique among your kind. God has masterminded the exact combination of DNA and chromosomes that constitute your genetic code, making you as different from all others as every snowflake differs from the rest.

Your Creator loved you so much and so intensely desires your companionship and affection that, despite your rebellion, He gave the life of His only Son that you might spend eternity with Him. If you are willing to accept the gift of salvation, you can become a child of God, the King of the universe.

As a believer, you are clothed with the righteousness of Christ. He has given you special gifts and abilities to serve him in a particular and unique way.

Your heavenly Father is sovereign, and will allow nothing to cross your path that is not Father-filtered. He cares for you so much that He is totally available to you at all times, and listens to every word you say. He cares deeply about your hurts, and has a perfect plan for your life. He has given you the inspired Word of God as a road map for living. He gives you the truth that sets you free, a life that is abundant and eternal, and a spiritual family that loves and needs you.

Your destiny is to live forever in a magnificent kingdom, to reign with Christ over the universe. You will forever enjoy the wonders of His presence and the marvels of His creations. You will spend eternity in ultimate and joyful fellowship with your beloved Lord and your precious spiritual family.

**********************************

Friend, how can you possibly not feel 'good' about yourself if you have taken hold of this promise? Your challenge is this: Will you establish for yourself the measure that the world sets before you, or the measure that God sets before you?

Jesus was clear: The first and greatest commandment is to 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' To 'love God and serve Him only'. If you would but believe Jesus and put into practice in your life what he has asked of you, you will be fine. You'll be able to rid yourself of feel good medications and anti-depressants and live the remainder of this life with the proper amount of 'self-esteem'.

God bless you,
In Christ, Ted

to add There are two greatest commandments both equally important. The one you named the other is love each other as you self.

 

[USCGrad90]

Self-esteem is a term used in psychology to reflect a person's overall emotional evaluation of his or her own worth. Because God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for each and every one of us, that tells me that we are considered of high value to Him. Many times when we speak of self-esteem, it is negative and we deal with "Low self-esteem." I think it's important to realize that we are valued by God, but we must be careful not to over-value our own worth. Healthy self-esteem to me means neither undervaluing or overvaluing our worth in God's eyes, but humbly accepting the grace of God.

 

[98cwitr]

this is the long and short of it for me

Romans 12:3
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

 

[miamited]

to add There are two greatest commandments both equally important. The one you named the other is love each other as you self.

Hi bluelion,

No, I must disagree with that. Jesus said that the first was the greatest commandment, the other he listed as the second commandment. I have found that if we follow the first, then the second is a natural outpouring of the first.

Here is the direct passage according to the Scriptures:

One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

I believe that Jesus spoke the truth.

God bless you.
In Christ, Ted

 

[JoshuaDaryl]

Hi lik3,

I agree with what bluelion has said. I believe that we should all feel good about ourselves. Who we are. However, much of that comes from being able to shut out and turn away from what the world might tell us that we should be. You are a singular, unique and specific person who is made in the image of the living and loving God. In that alone, you should find your satisfaction. When our being satisfied with ourselves is based on status among others or material goods or hanging with the crowd, then it's really quite easy to fall into the trap that you are in. We are always going to find others who are above us on that measuring rod. But when our satisfaction with ourselves comes from our position before God, then there is no one better than you. You, my friend, if you have been born again, are the child of a King! You are a part of a royal priesthood and you have as your brother the kindest, gentlest and most forgiving person who ever walked the face of this earth. You are loved by the one who created all things. You are cared about by Him.

Here's how Ron Carlson and Ed Decker describe you:

You are a special creation of a good and all-powerful God. You are the climax of His creation, the magnum opus of the greatest artist in the universe. You are created in His image, with capacities to think, feel, and worship that set you above all other life forms. You differ from the animals not simply in degree but in kind.

Not only is your kind unique, but you are unique among your kind. God has masterminded the exact combination of DNA and chromosomes that constitute your genetic code, making you as different from all others as every snowflake differs from the rest.

Your Creator loved you so much and so intensely desires your companionship and affection that, despite your rebellion, He gave the life of His only Son that you might spend eternity with Him. If you are willing to accept the gift of salvation, you can become a child of God, the King of the universe.

As a believer, you are clothed with the righteousness of Christ. He has given you special gifts and abilities to serve him in a particular and unique way.

Your heavenly Father is sovereign, and will allow nothing to cross your path that is not Father-filtered. He cares for you so much that He is totally available to you at all times, and listens to every word you say. He cares deeply about your hurts, and has a perfect plan for your life. He has given you the inspired Word of God as a road map for living. He gives you the truth that sets you free, a life that is abundant and eternal, and a spiritual family that loves and needs you.

Your destiny is to live forever in a magnificent kingdom, to reign with Christ over the universe. You will forever enjoy the wonders of His presence and the marvels of His creations. You will spend eternity in ultimate and joyful fellowship with your beloved Lord and your precious spiritual family.

**********************************

Friend, how can you possibly not feel 'good' about yourself if you have taken hold of this promise? Your challenge is this: Will you establish for yourself the measure that the world sets before you, or the measure that God sets before you?

Jesus was clear: The first and greatest commandment is to 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' To 'love God and serve Him only'. If you would but believe Jesus and put into practice in your life what he has asked of you, you will be fine. You'll be able to rid yourself of feel good medications and anti-depressants and live the remainder of this life with the proper amount of 'self-esteem'.

God bless you,
In Christ, Ted

what he said x 2