Self Esteem in Troubled Times - Part 2

Psychology has discovered three needs of man that must be satisfied if we are to enjoy contentment—a sense of belonging, personal worth, and competency. Both psychology and the world offer their solutions, but God says that Jesus is the Source of all things.

BELONG: The only sense of belonging that will never be eroded by the world is knowing unequivocally that I belong to my Creator. I am accepted by my Spiritual Dad; I’m a ten with Him (Rom. 15:7)! The only unfailing peace I can experience is knowing my Father (not self) has everything under control. That’s what Jesus knew about His Father-Son relationship as He volunteered for the cross.

In addition, I am Christ’s beloved bride! I’ll never be a worn out old wife who’s cast aside for a young chick. I belong! The world may reject me, I may be wounded, but I won’t be KO’d as long as I believe that I belong. The time to practice this is now (Heb. 5:14). I mustn’t wait until the bottom falls out. I belong to the One who loves me most and who has all the power. Think about that one.

WORTH: What am I worth? Jesus wouldn’t flash a financial statement to answer this question about Himself, so neither should I. The value of anything (to a purchaser) is determined by what he’s willing to pay for it. The Living God bought me. He could’ve bid a used dumpster for me and bid North America for Billy Graham if He’d wished because He can do what He wants. After all, Billy lives in a tall, handsome earthsuit and reaches millions for Jesus, but this is the wrong perception. God offered the only Boy He had to purchase me. He gave the Apple of His eye, His only Namesake! That’s Who God spent to purchase me. Oh, I tell you, I have great value. To God, I’m worth Jesus!

Picture a balance scale with Jesus on one end and me on the other. My worth and Jesus’ worth are equal in God’s mind. There’s a worth that can never erode! I may lose my job through health or economic reversals. My retirement program may collapse. I may lose my family, house, car, prestige, or be disgraced. Will that lower my true value? Never! My worth is set in Eternal Concrete.

COMPETENCY: I have the same opportunity to demonstrate competency as every Christian, even the heavy-hitters. I can offer myself to Jesus to glorify God through me by living His life of service to my spouse, kids, and world. Regardless of where God puts me, I know that the Judge of the universe evaluates my competency according to my faith-in-Christ method, not according to my results.

There are two sources available to you. You can build your self-esteem on the shifting sands of self and your personal accomplishments (or lack thereof), or you can build upon the Solid Rock—Jesus—offering yourself to Christ so that He may express His life through you. Choose Jesus--your only secure Investment.