First Baptist Church of Herndon

Self-Esteem

Linda Soller | Jul 12, 2021

I find myself wondering about self-esteem issues in our world. People with healthy self-esteem are comfortable with themselves and aware of their strengths and weaknesses. It’s not the same as being conceited. The latter is going to the extreme. Others struggle with self-esteem and that struggle leaves them sad and searching. We all have moments of low self-esteem, but how we deal with it varies greatly. Example: where you worked went out of business, you found yourself unemployed, and your self-esteem sank as you began to look for a job. Why?  We need to ask the tough question of ourselves. If you lost your job for reasons out of your control, then why are you feeling bad about yourself? You are still you, and God still loves you. You are not alone.

Now how are you going to act around others? I’m no expert, but when I see people put others down, pick fights, and bully, I see a self-esteem issue. The aggressors are unhappy with themselves, for whatever reason, and pointing out the failures or conditions of others makes them feel better about themselves. Let me say that self-esteem is not a gift laid in your lap. If you are the person on the receiving end of the mockery, aggression or bullying you will need to be strong. I don’t believe in lashing out. I know it’s not the Christian way. So, maybe the answer is again in a question. You hear, “with so many vacancies, only a loser can’t find a job.” You want to yell, cry, call the person a jerk, or eat a pint of ice cream (just a thought). Your reaction is to punish someone. What if you waited until they finished speaking and calmly asked, “So do you feel better about yourself now that you have made fun of my difficult situation?” If they are friend or family, I hope they will apologize. But they may just smirk or roll their eyes. For certain the conversation will be awkward for everyone but you. You never yelled, or hit, or called a name. You simply asked a question. You rose above. With your self-esteem in place, you can move on.  

Never forget God loves you and wants you to love yourself.

Be the difference in the world! :o)