Self Esteem – Another 60’s Leftover – More Junk Food for the Soul

The current pop psychology self-esteem fad came about sometime since the drug affected “consciousness revolution” of the 60’s. The two are interrelated but that is for another day. How do I know? I was there and watched the so-called new consciousness destroy itself. No wonder the new consciousness revolution needed to be coddled with a respectable fad; its human nature to not admit a mistake, especially one as big as the sixties laid on us.

Before moving forward may I suggest that Self Confidence and its cousin, Self Respect, is the good reality and Self Esteem is the fake. Self Confidence is hard to come by; meaning you get hurt attaining it, sometimes deeply, whereas the imposter, Self Esteem, comes easy; you think about it, you play games, you are protected from hurt, criticisms, and failings.  

Dictionary definitions of Esteem
Merriam-Webster: the regard in which one is held; especially: high regard
Dictionary.com: to regard highly or favorably; regard with respect or admiration. 

Self esteem is simply holding yourself in high regard. This is where the deception creeps in; pride and selfish desire masquerade as something good. For now let’s take a look at what thousands of years of experience, wisdom, and trial and error, have to offer us on the subject of esteeming one’s self highly. It may come as a surprise to you, our pastors, our “mental health” practitioners, and our government leaders but the Bible is not silent on this subject. Philippians 2:3 “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves.” Briefly this passage tells us to esteem others not ourselves. How does this affect self confidence, self respect and enjoying the creation of God, even pleasure? It leaves these concepts and realities healthy and intact. Humility is the context and holding oneself in high regard is not supported here. Don’t interpret “lowliness of mind” to be related to a doormat; rather it is akin to the glorious mystery, “…the last shall be first.”