The Pharisees Had High Self-Esteem

"American society seems to believe that self-esteem is the cure all for every social ill, from bad grades to teen pregnancies to violence. But there has been no evidence that boosting self-esteem actually helps with these problems ... When people highly value self-esteem, they may avoid doing things such as acknowledging a wrong they did."(1)

This quote is from a purely secular study. But it's interesting how clearly it confirms the truths of God's Word. 

In Luke 18:9-14 we meet two men. One is confident and secure with high self-esteem. The other man considers himself unworthy:

"The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.'... The tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'"

The modern world commends self-confident people with high self-esteem, but God sees things differently:

"I tell you that [the tax collector], rather than the [Pharisee], went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

Genuine repentance, humility, and gratitude are keys to our spiritual growth and well-being (Psalm 51:17). Christians need to have a realistic view of ourselves, not an inflated one (Romans 12:3).

For more insights on this subject see:

Biblical Cure for Low and High Self-Esteem

6 Ways the Self-Esteem Movement Contradicts Scripture

Think You're Awesome?

(1) Ohio State University & Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory.

Bible Love Notes