The Self-Esteem Lie
We (the baby boomer generation) have been taught self-esteem and self-control are critical answers to life’s problems. These are lies.
Self-effort puts the focus on us and we end up missing Jesus. A relationship with God cannot be earned by our diligence, our commitment, or our effort.
The secular word focuses on self-esteem. Turn it around – “esteemed self.” What’s wrong with this picture? The world says exalt yourself. God says humble yourself.
The world focuses on the importance on self-control. This sounds like a right value but it grows into a work-based focus. When living the Christian life, though, self-control is not just hard, it is impossible.
God says submit. The world associates submission with weakness, inferiority, or giving up. But the world doesn’t understand God’s love–God has our best interest at heart. God desires to direct us, protect us, and perfect us, but that is only available to us as we submit to Him. (Phil. 1:6)
My Self-Discipline = Failure
When I have tried to solve problems through my puny self-discipline, I fail. Then I turn to God and He lovingly stretches out His arms, pulls me in to Himself and whispers, “I didn’t ask you to do it alone, I have been waiting for you.” He picks me up, like a Father carrying a little child. Then I remember His unfailing love, hold on, and surrender in pure trust.
Trials Are Gifts
We have the opportunity to grow though trials. Trials are gifts we should welcome (sometimes big surprise gifts). Through the trials we learn to surrender and trust Him. Once we trust we don’t fret over the past or worry about the future. What a great attitude–welcoming trials as gifts to help you grow closer to God.
Trusting is nestling, not wrestling–nestling in the loving Father. Protected in His love is a fine place to be.
The spirit-controlled life is surrendering and allowing the Holy Spirit to glorify Jesus Christ though us. (Luke 19:14) Our relationship with God is a moment by moment walk – to reflect Christ moment by moment. “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30.
Do you really believe that God wants what’s best for you? Then why do you fret over the past or worry about the future? Abide in Him. Yep, it’s that simple!
Learn of Him. Lean on Him. Live in Him.
Let His love and forgiveness envelope you to the point you can love and forgive others. That’s what it’s all about. Jesus sums up the meaning of life in this verse:
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
Jesus is waiting to lead us into a relationship with our Father. This relationship is available though invitation, not by self-discipline.
God loves you more than you can imagine. There is no failure that His mercy cannot overcome. Because of Him we can live each moment free of the past and trust Him for the future–it’s like a spring of refreshing water.
Relax–cease from your own labor– and enjoy Him in control. Appreciate the fullness of His love as you grow in an ever-deepening relationship with Him.
Great post–right on! Very encouraging.
Karen, author of “My Funny Dad, Harry”‘s last blog post..My Other Life in Dream Land
we are not only sisters, we are twins in the Spirit! I think the self-esteem thing is one of the most dangerous teachings there is, and the scary thought is that it is taught in most churches. Our focus should be on HIM not us!
blessings, dear sister! how are you feeling lately?
with love, Penny Raine
htt://www.pennyraine.com/blog
Penny Raine’s last blog post..boycotting the mafia
~Yvonne
Yvonne’s last blog post..Homeschooling Teens: A Discovery and a Question
Excellent post! Just what I needed to be reminded of right now.
Blessings–
Dana
Dana’s last blog post..WE FINALLY HAVE WATER!
Right on!! Man it can be tough not to lean on our own abilities sometimes, but you are right – it is what God wants. Me thinking that I have it all figured out is going to do me very little good. He really does have it all figured out and cares about our lives more than we do!!
Hi Robin,
Awesome post! As a former Psychiatric nurse I have seen the fallacy and fruit of a self-esteem centered lifestyle. Praise God that HE is gives us all we need and our worth is from Him.
Love Deanne
Deanne’s last blog post..Watching Women
I like the photo illustration..spot on and that was a very good post. Jesus’ teachings are a paradox isn’t? Just when you think you are in control, you are actually losing it but the moment you surrender and submit to God, you are actually free not to live for self gratification but for Him.
My Bug Life’s last blog post..Beyond The Barb Wire
magnificent they had Forest. spent days rich flavor. gardening along stretching exploring managed
[...] Self-Esteem and Self-Discipline or Spirit-Control [...]
I guess what I don’t get is what does it look like in real life? “Let His love envelope you”? Also, the bible speaks a lot about self-control, we are responsible for our part. Good post, but it would be better if you told people HOW to do it. Thanks.
“I guess what I don’t get is what does it look like in real life? “Let His love envelope you”? Also, the bible speaks a lot about self-control, we are responsible for our part. Good post, but it would be better if you told people HOW to do it. Thanks.”
………………..
in real life
it costs everything you have.
Yhvh is the Name of the Eternal One, Creator, ABBA.
Yahshua Yah(Creator)Shua(Heals)
said that ABBA HIMSELF will teach you the truth about all things IF(and only if?) you are willing to give up everything and everyone and everyambition and everyhope except HIM. He Alone Gives LIFE, ETERNAL LIFE. and, now, at once, righteousness,peace and joy.
but, the truth cost you everything. it is the only way to life, there is no other way. no chruch, no family, no society, no one except ABBA can help you understand. ABBA is holy Himself. Yahshua is holy Himself. You must be holy youself !(by ABBA’s sheer grace shown you in Yahshua).
don’t call on any other name, nor any other god, nor anything that is not true.(i.e.no yoga, no rcc, no politico, no man’s group, no religion)… only ABBA. He will not disappoint you. All else will. Every man’s group will deceive you- if not on purpose then because they don’t know any better. the martyrs who testify of the truth in Yahshua may be found on every continent. they live HIS LIFE quietly, yet boldly. simply and truly. they are executed, even in the u.s.a., when they are ‘found out’, just as you may expect to be! you will suffer persecution if you love the truth. members of your own family may be your worst enemies.
trust ABBA and trust HIM only and obey HIM and ABBA will accomplish your salvation in Yahshua.
there is no other way.
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I love that picture of the kitten seeing him/ herself as a lion.