One of the greatest struggles for humanity is the discovery of our value and self-worth. People often feel so very empty and insignificant. The cares of life tend to batter down our self-image and leave us with a sense of meaninglessness and even self-loathing. This is part of the reason why so many people turn to so many vices- alcohol, drugs, sexuality- in an attempt to “fill the void.”

The world is quick to offer solutions. The self-appointed therapists of afternoon talk shows and the mega-rich attitude coaches of late-night infomercials tell us that we must practice “self-love” and engage in more positive “self-talk.” They tell us we must love ourselves before learning to love anyone else. But however quaint their advice may be, it is as far from the truth as the East is from the West.

The Bible tells us that positive self-image does not come through believing we are wonderful but through knowing that God loves us. We don’t need better “self-esteem” but a better understanding of God’s estimation of us! In fact, the Bible tells us that the first step to wholeness is understanding and accepting our own wretchedness and turning in utter dependence on God’s awesome grace. Perhaps the old children’s song has more practical advice on developing self-esteem than today’s pop psychology: “Jesus first, yourself LAST, and others in-between.”

Kerry