Low Self-Esteem

When we are talking about a Christian and we speak of low self-esteem, this is never the problem. The problem with a child of God is never that they place too little worth in themselves, the problem is that they place too little worth in God the Father, Jesus Christ His Son, and His Blessed Holy Spirit. They have a basic misunderstanding of the Gospel of His Grace.

What the Gospel teaches us about ourselves is:
(1) We were alienated from God from birth by original sin
(2) We then committed acts of actual sin
(3) We hated God and were against Him
(4) We did not do any good without Jesus and we were not even capable of doing so
(5) We justly deserve to go to hell

What the Gospel teaches us about God is:
(1) Because He cannot tolerate sin, God is angry with the rebels listed above and could justly throw them all into hell
(2) The Father decided to save some of the rebellious people from our list above out of His great love, mercy, and grace
(3) He sent His Son, Jesus, to become a man, live a perfect life and die a sinner's death
(4) His Son paid the penalty for my sin on the cross, bearing the wrath of God and satisfying that just, holy wrath for all those who will ever trust Him as Savior who are His chosen ones
(5) By repentance of sin and faith in Jesus, I, the sinner deserving of hell, will go to Heaven and the right standing of Jesus Christ is credited to my account so that not only was God's wrath satisfied for my sin, but I now stand before Him as having always fully obeyed all His standards and laws
(6) God adopted me into His forever family and now I am His child
(7) His grace is so amazing, how can I focus on anything else?

This is the "cure" for low self-esteem in the child of God. I am deserving of hell, but I am going to Heaven! I was against God and I am guilty of killing His Son, yet, instead of destruction, I face blessing from His loving hand each day. He smiles at me just as He does at His Son in Whom He is well pleased. I am chosen, covered, redeemed, and bought. I simply could not be happier!

"What about my sin", the struggling Christian asks. The death of Jesus accomplished exactly what He set out to accomplish, namely the salvation of the elect. He did not fail. Your sin is no match for Him. He came to "save His people from their sins." And, He accomplished that on the cross. Hear Him cry, "It is finished." Sin is dealt with. Wrath is removed! Holiness is not just made possible, but it is a reality. You are not perfect yet, but do not forget that soon you will be. Sin is temporary. God will remove your sin completely when you die. Until then, look to Jesus far more than you look at your sin or your weakness. Gaze into the wounds that still adorn the Savior and hear them scream to God the Father on your behalf, "He is mine, I have paid for Him with blood!"

Is there a place for us believing that as His children we have worth because of Him? Of course! Is there a place to remind ourselves that we are children of the King and that we will inherit this place soon? Certainly! But, that is not the place to start. The place to start is the cross.

God give us esteem for Jesus and His great work on our behalf on the cross!

Hidden in Christ,
Scott