SELF ESTEEM

We hear much on this subject today, and the prevailing thought in society seems to be that, given enough of it, all our problems will be solved.

A recent TV documentary showed first and second grade children undergoing self-esteem indoctrination in our public schools. These children gave presentations which illustrated that they were so full of themselves that describing them as arrogant and obnoxious seems quite mild. But we can hardly blame the children.

The bible clearly teaches us that we are to have an accurate regard for ourselves. The Psalmist said "I am fearfully and wonderfully made" (Ps. 139: 14). Man should not trivialize his existence nor think that he cannot make a difference in this world. We were all made by God, and we all have a mission to fulfill.

But even here we see a distinct difference between what the bible teaches and what is taught in self-esteem classes. For the Psalmist attributes his wonderfulness to his Maker, not to himself.

To a people who might be caught up in their greatness, the Romans, the apostle Paul wrote that a man is "not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but so to think as to think soberly" (Rom. 12: 3).

Jesus has set us on a quest for truth and accuracy, and this applies to our assessment of ourselves as well as others. We should not err in thinking ourselves greater than what we are, but neither should we minimize what God has made us. As is always the case, anything other than truth is enslavement (Jn. 8:32).

Unfortunately, those who err in either direction are bound for destruction. Indeed, we can expect our suicide rate to climb to new heights when the day comes that our newly-created young egotists are forced to face the recognition that they are NOT the centers of the universe.