Tag Archives: self-esteem

Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie – The Problem with Self-Esteem   

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The second, like it, is this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these. —Mark 12:30–31

When Scripture says, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” it is not saying, “First learn to love yourself, and then love your neighbor.” Rather, it is saying, “It is obvious you already love yourself. Love your neighbor in the same way.” It is this love of self, this obsession with self, that gets us into trouble. We don’t need a better self-image. We don’t need greater self-esteem. And we certainly don’t need more self-love.

But here is what we do need. Jesus said “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). Notice that He did not say, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him esteem himself ” or “let him love himself.” Rather, Jesus said, “Let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” In the original language, the word deny means “to repudiate, to disdain, to disown, to forfeit, to totally disregard.” That is not an easy thing to do.

So in reality, the basic problem in our lives is not our spouse. It is not our boss. It is not our neighbors. It is not our upbringing. It is not low self-esteem. And it is not a poor self-image. It is the overt love of ourselves. Jesus said, “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” (Matthew 15:18-19).

So here is what it comes down to: the ultimate choice in life is between pleasing ourselves and pleasing God.

Today’s devotional is an excerpt from Every Day with Jesus by Greg Laurie, 2013

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Power of Loving Unconditionally

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Charles Stanley

Colossians 3:21

By expressing unconditional love, parents are empowered to raise their children to be confident adults. When we accept each child’s unique nature, we lay a foundation for good self-esteem. Often, we unintentionally inflict damage on a young one’s ego by confusing actions with personhood—a child might hear criticism as “I’m bad” rather than “my behavior was wrong.” Children need parental guidance and discipline, but these must be wrapped in actions and language that convey love.

The alternative—correction aimed at making a child into the adult Mom or Dad desires (instead of the one God intends)—promotes a rebellious spirit. Think of the popular child-rearing axiom “Pick your battles” in these terms: “Pick the battles that affect the child’s soul.” Passing fads and weird clothing or hair choices are not worthy battles, whereas issues related to honesty, integrity, and obedience call for a parent’s guidance.

The result of unconditional love and its by-products—self-esteem and obedience—is that children build good relationships. They will be prepared to accept others with the same attitude their parents showed them. This is important because a wounded child will one day struggle to express wholehearted love to a marriage partner or to receive it in return.

Conveying acceptance to a child doesn’t cost money, but it does take time. Parents love their kids through actions and attitudes—namely, taking an interest in a child’s activities, listening intently, and offering encouragement and praise. Do your kids know you love them?