Spiritual Growth - IIB

Spiritual Growth And Self-Esteem – Part Two

In our previous portion of this lesson we looked at what self-esteem is and the Christian’s basis for a high self-esteem. A Christian has two primary reasons for having a healthy self-image by virtue of divine generation and spiritual regeneration.

But now let's address more directly the subject of self-esteem and spiritual growth. For the Christian a poor self-esteem hinders spiritual growth. How so? Not believing they are capable of growing, some tell themselves: "I could never do that (teach a class, preach a sermon, etc.)..." "I will make too many mistakes..." Prone to giving up too soon, some tell themselves: "I just don't have the ability..." "I am only a one talent individual..." Poor self-esteem on an individual basis can easily carry over to how the group feels. "We are too small as a church to do..." "We are too poor..." -- All such excuses are indications of poor self-esteem, and prevent spiritual growth from occurring!

A proper self-esteem enhances spiritual growth. Consider the healthy self-esteem the apostle Paul had: For himself - Ph 4:13 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” For others - Ph 1:6 “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”; 2:12-13 “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” We should have a similar estimation of ourselves. We can do whatever God wants us to do, because Christ strengthens us! We may not all do the same, but we can contribute much to the glory of God! Ro 12:3-8; 1 Pe 4:10-11 -- Instead of making excuses, tell yourself: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"! - Ph 4:13

Here are some practical steps for improving self-esteem. Identify and accept your strengths, weaknesses--everyone has them, no one is perfect. Take an "I can" attitude and offer yourself encouragement along the way. An "I can" if I think I can and tell myself I can. Set some realistic goals, and then take joy in your achievements (giving God the glory!). Don't try to be someone else, but be thankful of who you are. Explore your own talents, learn to love and appreciate the unique person you are (God loves you, your brethren love you, shouldn't you?). Eliminate negative self-talk; consider the following: It takes about 20 positive statements about ourselves (the foundation of our self-esteem) to counteract even just 1 negative personal statement! It doesn't take a continual repetition of negative statements from our parents, peers, and others throughout our childhood to cause low self-esteem. Once we get a couple in our head, we can use them over and over again; again and again we take those false negatives and repeat them unconsciously (completely unaware) - it's like having a constant heckler with you. Formulate some positive statements about yourself and repeat them out loud.

Poor self-esteem is a major hindrance to spiritual growth.... We make excuses for not trying. We often give up before we make progress. On the other hand, spiritual growth greatly enhances self-esteem.... As we grow, our achievements encourage us to do more. As we grow, we gain confidence that we are on the right track - 1 Jn 3:18-19 “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him;” Rather than let a mistaken estimation of self to hinder our service to God.... Allow God's estimation of us to enhance our self-image and self-esteem. Allow God's estimation of us to encourage the spiritual growth He desires. -- We will feel better about ourselves when we do!