"Self Esteem?"

I'm not sure where this is going today. Recently as I was watching one of the news features, they were featuring a school that put "self esteem" as their number one priority. One student after another stood before the class telling everyone of the own individual worth and greatness. Many of them couldn't even do their school work but they all had "self esteem!" It was sad to see but what was even worse, the teachers were thrilled!!!

As I watched this briefly, it hit my mind of the nurse in the hospital that was so conceited that whenever she took the pulse of one of the men, she always knocked off five points to allow for the impact of her personality!

Our society is quickly moving further and further away from the teachings and understanding of God. Let's just be honest and open about all this. What many are calling "self esteem" is what the Bible calls arrogance and pride, something the Lord is opposed to. Have we ever thought about examining ourselves standing next to Jesus? Let's just put these up for thought:

We raise our "self esteem" because of our status - Jesus was God and gave up His glory for us.

We are proud and glory in our family - Jesus grew up in a poor home not highly esteemed.

We are proud of our accomplishments and professions - Jesus was a simple carpenter.

We are proud of our homes - Jesus had no where to lay His head.

We boast of our possessions and wealth - Jesus had neither.

We are proud of those we consider as distinguished friends - Jesus was surrounded by fishermen and tax collectors, those most despised.

We are proud of our abilities - Jesus said, "I can do nothing of Myself."

We take pride in our degrees and schooling - Jesus never had either.

We push and shove, expressing our discontent to get our own way - Jesus said, "I do not seek My own will."

We put ourselves above others in certain situations - Jesus said, "I came to serve."

Somewhere, when we sit and reflect on Jesus, the Scripture comes to mind: "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 2:5)