The Christian Perspective on Self-Esteem

I have been reading a book on the Christian’s approach to self-esteem. How we view ourselves and in turn, others, is very important to walk carefully in. We are God’s great work, made in His image, so our perspective in judging both ourselves and others, needs to be Christ-like in nature. Think about this verse and consider working more on changing your heart than on sprucing up your appearance.

1 Samuel 16:7
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

It’s ok to dress nice and stay well-groomed, that reflects well upon our creator, but focusing on looks, which our culture is obsessed with, is not a Godly trait.

1 Peter 3:3-4
Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.

Though written towards women, the principle applies to all of us. Christians, we must get off this bandwagon of the world, we must think differently about both ourselves and each other, then the world does.

Spend some time reading God’s Word and discover WHO you are in Christ. That, my friends, is where we must find our esteem.