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.