The Teaching Of Self-esteem -
by Pastor Paul M. Sadler
Scripture Reading:
“Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince [refute] the gainsayers.” — Titus 1:9
Satan
never rests in his insatiable desire to corrupt the Word of God. A case
in point is the present-day teaching of self-love, self-esteem and
self-worth. The influence of this unsound doctrine has nearly permeated
every strata of Christendom, including the Grace Movement. Like the beat
of a drum, this theme is heard almost constantly from the pulpits of
America and frequently appears on the pages of Christian literature.
Beware when you hear or read: “It is important to feel good about
yourself,” “Learn to love yourself,” “Probe your innermost self to
understand why you think and feel as you do,” “God sent His son to die
for you because you are of great value.”
On
the surface these phrases may seem commendable, but in reality they are
diametrically opposed to the Scriptures. The above has been weighed in
the balance and found to be wanting. For example: “The heart [innermost
self]is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know
it?” (Jeremiah17:9). Paul concurred when he said, “For I know that in me
(that is, in my flesh, [old nature or self]) dwelleth no good thing”
(Romans 7:18).
The
old man (self) is at enmity against God. He hates God and the things of
God and left to himself he will not seek God. The Scriptures, from
beginning to end, speak with a unified voice that the old nature is
rotten to the core (See Romans 3:9-18).
Consequently,
our old man (self) has been crucified with Christ. Paul made reference
to this when he wrote to the Galatians, “I am crucified with Christ
[i.e. his old man]: nevertheless I live [Paul’s new nature]; yet NOT I
[self], but Christ liveth in me.” We are to put off the old nature and
put on the new, which is created in holiness and righteousness
(Ephesians 4:22-24). It is futile to improve one’s self- image,
especially since
God abhors any attempt to do so. Rather, we are to conform ourselves to
the image of His dear Son. Thus, those of the household of faith are to
live accordingly:
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let us esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3-5).
Self
takes great pleasure in acclaim, indulgence, approval and praise. It
glories in all these things. But are we not robbing God when self is
esteemed more highly than His glory?
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have of God, AND YE ARE NOT YOUR OWN? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (I Corinthians 6:19,20).
Shall
we permit the “love of one’s self” doctrine to overshadow the love of
God in Christ Jesus? God forbid! May God help us to stand against this
insidious teaching that essentially robs God of the glory that is
rightfully due Him
King James Bible
The Preserved and Living Word of God
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