Lie #5

Don't get too engrossed in this little poem here.
I fully intend to rip it apart on behalf of Lie of the World #5:  Self-esteem is a virtue.  (Fitting title for the poem, huh?)

Hello World

I am amazing
Incredible me
Celebrating the being
I choose to be

I am uniquely spectacular
I am one of a kind
Creativity oozes
From my heart and mind

I'm stupendous, tremendous
I stand out from the crowd
I do things
That aren't allowed

I'm inspired, desired
I'm wonderfully weird
I am unbridled passion
I am highly revered

I'm outrageous, contagious
I am daring and bold
I am honored and cherished
I'm a treasure to hold

I am gifted, uplifted
I am endlessly blessed
I am sought out
For the skills I possess

I'm delightful, insightful
I am loved and adored
I live a charmed life
I'm renewed and restored

I am greateful, elateful
I am centered and wise
I am wealthy and worthy
I am God in disguise

I declare my brilliance
It won't be denied
The world cries out
For what I provide

I am powerful, masterful
I am focused and clear
Life beams brighter
Because I am here

I am blazing, amazing
I can't be contained
I'm a glorious fabulous
Radiant flame

I choose to exude
All this and much more
My wings are spread
Watch me soar!

--Dan Coppersmith

I have a sensitive tooth that groans at me when I provoke it with cold or sweet food items.  I think I may have felt a twinge just typing the poem.  So, once you've finished choking on the saccharin, take a breath and long look at what you believe about self-esteem.  You may equate Dan Coppersmith with the Daily Affirmations of Stuart Smalley, but chances are, you associate self-esteem with happiness and success.

On one hand, self-esteem refers to a realistic respect for or favorable impression of oneself; self-respect.  It can also refer to an inordinately or exaggeratedly favorable impression of oneself.

The online thesaurus says this about self-esteem:

Main Entry:	self-respect/self-esteem
Part of Speech:	noun
Definition:	pride in oneself
Synonyms:	amour-propre, conceit, confidence, dignity, egotism, faith in oneself, morale, narcissism, self-assurance, self-content, self-regard, self-satisfaction, vanity, worth
Antonyms:	self-doubt, uncertainty

 __________

What does the Bible say about self-esteem?   

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-esteem, right?  Um, no.

They these on for size:

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.  --Romans 12:3

Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”  --1 Corinthians 1:31

 __________

Although self-deprecation is probably a bad idea, a realistic self-concept is probably not a bad idea.  We as Christians should maintain some measure of self-respect.  We have to regard ourselves as something in order to respect others.

Jesus replied:  'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. --Matthew 22:37-40

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. --Philippians 2:3

After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church. --Ephesians 5:29

 __________

Although I cannot find any passages in the Bible to support the notion that I should lift myself up, there are ample passages about lifting up others.

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.  --Proverbs 27:2

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. --1 Thessalonians 5:10

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  --Hebrews 10:24

 __________

We get encouragement from our Christian brothers and sisters, but where do we truly find our value?

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up. --James 4:10

What do you think?  
Is self-esteem a lie we've just grown accustomed to?